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Trapping Tips

Mosquito Battles – Final Feed Mosquito Bait

By | Mosquitoes, Pest Business, Pestimonials, Tips & Inspirations, Trapping Tips | No Comments

Saving the Schools

In this version of Pest Management Professional’s Mosquito Battles series, Anaheim Union High School District’s Rich Kravetz controls the growing mosquito population in Southern California with Final Feed Mosquito Bait.

Anaheim, California was hit by more than just a heat wave in the spring of 2019. A new species of mosquito was flying about the city, darkening the normally sunny skies.  This mosquito – known as the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) was targeting high population areas with tall trees and thick bushes, such as the Anaheim Union High School District.

Mosquito Battles - Kravetz

Rich Kravetz, an integrated pest management (IPM) technician for the school district, knows the importance of protecting schools from Asian tiger mosquitoes, a known carrier of West Nile virus and other illnesses. Kravetz is no newbie to the pest management profession – hit father has owned a pest control business for the last 50 years. Because of his background, Kravetz understands how much of an impact one product can have on the mosquito population.

Kravetz began using Catchmasters’ Final Feed Mosquito Bait in 2019, and has seen a huge impact across all 22 locations of the Anaheim Union High School District.

“We had a cloud of mosquitoes over Orange County and Southern California, so we were just looking for something to help alleviate or lessen the frustration with them,” says Kravetz, “We started using it in May, and we are already seeing huge results.”

Mosquito Battles - Final Feed

Kravetz has tried multiple different tactics to try to lessen the severity of the Asian tiger mosquito population around the schools, but has found that not much works to effectively rid the area of the pest – except for Final Feed.

“The product goes right on the shady bushes where the mosquitoes hang out, so the sweet draws them in and the garlic kills them,” he explains.

The non-toxic formula used in Final Feed makes it ideal to use around children, utilizing natural fruit juices to bait the mosquitoes and garlic to starve them. When paired with Catchmaster’s Ovi-Catch Mosquito Trap, Kravetz says, the combination makes for the ideal mosquito solution for schoolyards.

Mosquito Battles - Ovi-Catch

Showing results with the product is also easy, according to Kravetz. Every female mosquito killed by Final Feed or caught by Ovi-Catch mosquito trap eliminates up to 1,000 future mosquitoes. The best part of using Final Feed around the schools for Kravetz is being able to communicate with the students, staff and parents that the IPM technicians are doing something that will have results. Kravetz recalls it having the most impact on a special needs school in the district.

Kravetz sprayed the property with Final Feed, and saw positive results almost immediately. Final Feed helps to control the mosquitoes, resulting in smaller populations. This allowed the children to spend more time outside with less of a risk to get bites from the daytime-feeding species.

Mosquito Battles - Garlic

“Anything I can do for them means a lot,” Kravetz says, “They’re so appreciative. When you get a smile from the kids playing outside – that’s real.”

A little goes a long way with Final Feed, so Kravetz is able to spray more sparingly and still impact the mosquito population at the school.

“I can’t recommend this enough,” Kravetz says of Ovi-Catch, “The buckets are out of sight from the kids and families.” Meanwhile, of Final Feed he says, “The smell is nice. It’s really a great product to have.”

Mosquito Battles – Additional Resources

Get more content like this daily when you follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catchmasterPRO/

Get our Mosquito Management Guide here: https://catchmasterpro.com/mosquito-management-program/

For help with mosquito season 2020 & beyond, discover Catchmaster® mosquito management tools:  https://catchmasterpro.com/collection/mosquito-management-tools/

In addition, learn more about mosquitoes from the NPMA here: https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/mosquitoes/

Finally, get tips for your business by following us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ap&g-co-inc

Ovi-Catch Mosquito Trap Ingredients

By | Mosquitoes, Tips & Inspirations, Trapping Tips | No Comments

The ingredients in our Ovi-Catch Mosquito Trap optimize performance. The trap, built for research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), utilizes mosquitoes’ breeding habits against them. In particular, the trap mimics traditional breeding sites to draw the mosquitoes into the container and trap them on a glue board. Removing 1 female mosquito can eliminate up to 1,000 future mosquitoes field results indicate that capturing up to 30% of egg-laying female mosquitoes can decrease populations by 80%. Clearly, the trap can be a great addition to any mosquito management programs.

Therefore, placing the trap correctly and using the right ingredients as an attractant will go a long way to determining success.  First, some basics on trap placement. Traps should be placed in areas on a property that are conducive to mosquitoes.

Areas on a property to place Ovi-Catch mosquito trap

  1. Cool
  2. Shaded
  3. Moist
  4. Out-of-the-Wind

Above all, the key for ingredients is pretty simple, the smellier the better. Additionally, if possible prepare your mixture of the ingredient plus water a few days in advance. This will allow the mixture to get smellier and will produce more immediate results.

7 optimal Ovi-Catch Mosquito Trap ingredients

Ovi-Catch Mosquito Trap Ingredients - Icon

  1. Alfalfa hay
  2. Rabbit food pellets
  3. Stagnant water (from ponds, lakes, irrigation ditches, streams or rivers)
  4. Oak leaves
  5. Dry dog food
  6. Brewer’s yeast
  7. Grass clippings

Additionally. be sure to monitor your traps for performance over time. If one ingredient isn’t working don’t be afraid to switch it up & happy hunting!

Finally, did we miss your go-to ingredient? Let us know in the comments below, happy to update the article and add your tip!

Additional Resources

Get our free mosquito management program guide when you sign up for our e-mail list here: https://catchmasterpro.com/mosquito-management-program/

Get more content like this daily when you follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catchmasterPRO/

Along with Ovi-Catch, discover our full line of Catchmaster® mosquito management tools:  https://catchmasterpro.com/collection/mosquito-management-tools/

Additionally, Captain Stan Cope (aka the Mosquito Man) is our Vice President of Technical Services and blogs frequently on mosquitoes. In addition to his social media content you can find his blog archives here: https://catchmasterpro.com/?s=captain+stan

Finally, learn more about mosquitoes from the NPMA here: https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/mosquitoes/

Pest Maintenance – 6 Things You Can Do Right Now to Service Accounts

By | Mosquitoes, Pest Business, Rodents, Tips & Inspirations, Trapping Tips | No Comments

Even without access to customers’ homes there are steps to maintain pest maintenance.  Certainly nothing replaces getting access to a commercial or residential account.   However, pest maintenance helps you bridge the gap.  Undoubtedly, this shows your customers value once access returns.

6 Pest Maintenance Tips to Service Accounts

  • Provide glue boards to your customers along with instructions on where to place them.  Hot spots include kitchen sinks, attached garages or basements.  Not only does this help ward off unwanted invaders, you now have a blueprint for how to service once you have access.  Pro tip – if you have extra office time get started with private labeling.  Here is an article on some of the benefits of private labeling: https://catchmasterpro.com/blog/private-label-pest-products-your-marketing-secret-weapon/
  • Conduct a thorough exterior inspection.  Let your inspection dictate your schedule to systematically address identified issues either immediately or over time.  Even if your customers do not move forward right away it provides a road map for continued service when things eventually return to business as usual.  Perform proactive exclusion services.  Here is an article that identifies some external hot spots: https://catchmasterpro.com/blog/top-5-areas-for-exclusion-around-the-home/
  • Consider your exterior trapping options.  Use weatherproof snap traps like our 605 Easy Set Snap Traps in bait or trapping stations around the  perimeter of homes to head off pests.  Additionally, our 611 Dual Action Twin Catch is a great tool to install in sheds and attached garages.  The trap heads off both crawling insects & unwanted rodents.

Don’t Forget the Mosquitoes!

Pest Maintenance - Fun Facts

Undoubtedly, nothing replaces a thorough inspection as part of your IPM plan.  However, even without a thorough internal inspection there are plenty of steps you can take to keep lines of communication open with your customers.  Building up goodwill can go a long way once business returns to normal.

Pest Maintenance – Additional Resources

Get more content like this daily when you follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catchmasterPRO/

Sign up for our mailing list here: https://catchmasterpro.com/join-email/

Learn more about mosquitoes from the National Pest Management Association here: https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/mosquitoes/

 

3 Rodent Trapping Tips – More Traps & Less Bait

By | Rodents, Tips & Inspirations, Trapping Tips | No Comments

One of several key rodent trapping tips is the amount of traps you set and bait you use.  More traps may lead to more success, however, the same can not be said about the amount of bait to use.  But what is the right amount?  Here are 3 quick rodent trapping tips to help.

Know your rodent trapping tips – number of traps & bait

  1. First, when setting traps always remember the more the better.  Rodents are fickle creatures and setting more opportunities will increase your chance of success. Consider placing traps in sets of 2 or 3 as opposed to single sets.  This will maximize your results as rodents initially try to evade newly placed traps only to be captured in others placed nearby.  You can also allow rodents to become accustomed to feeding on your traps by placing a baited set trap between two baited, unset traps.  If you don’t have success in one area move your traps around.
  2. When it comes to the amount of bait to use remember that less is more.  Oftentimes, the tendency can be to put more bait than is necessary.  Placing too much bait can, in fact, backfire and often impede the functionality of the trap.  Regardless of the type of bait that you choose, a small amount goes a long way. You should use just enough to fill the bait containers incorporated into the triggers on wooden and plastic snap traps.  This usually amounts to about 1/2 a gram or the size of a single kidney bean.  Any bait that you use should be fixed to the trigger whenever possible for optimal results.
  3. If you aren’t having success with protein-based baits consider nesting materials such as cotton balls, shredded paper and fabric.  If the rodents don’t have an appetite for the food choices perhaps their interest will be peaked with home goods.

Do you a rodent trapping tip we missed, let us know in the comments!

3 Rodent Trapping Tips - 621P

3 Rodent Trapping Tips – Additional Resources

Get more content like this daily when you follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catchmasterPRO/

Sign up for our mailing list here: https://catchmasterpro.com/join-email/

Learn more about our full line of rodent management products here: https://catchmasterpro.com/collection/rodent-management-tools/

Finally, Learn more about your pest management professional options from the National Pest Management Association here: https://npmapestworld.org/

Learn more about our Easy Set Snap Traps here: https://catchmasterpro.com/product/easy-set-mouse-snap-traps/

Alternate Baits for Rodents

By | Rodents, Tips & Inspirations, Trapping Tips | No Comments

Alternate Bait Options for Rodents

The baits you use to trap rodents can have a significant impact on your catch rate and a thorough knowledge of alternate rodent baits will help.  Fortunately, there are plenty of baits you have at your disposal.  In fact, you may find some surprising ones on the list below.  But, first, some general rodent bait tips.

8 Tips for Using Rodent Baits

  1. Rodents are fickle creatures. Alternate not only the baits you use but also where you place the traps if you are not having success.
  2. When it comes to traps, the more the merrier.  Indeed, placing several traps spread out will increase your likelihood of a catch.
  3. When it comes to bait amount, less is probably more. You should use just enough to fill the bait containers on snap and wooden traps.  This is usually about ½ gram – the size of a kidney bean.  Adding too much bait may actually hurt the performance of the trap.
  4. If you are using a glue trap chances are it is already pre-scented. If you do use baits with glue boards be sure to avoid oily substances like peanut butter that might impact glue performance.
  5. Let the rodents smell the bait, not you. Rodents can smell your scent well after you have touched a trap.  As a result, use gloves when setting a trap.
  6. Leave some bait on the trap before you set it.  Rodents are cautious, baiting before you set the trap will allow them to get used to the trap in their environment.  Once they are accustomed to taking the bait they are far more likely to return once the trap is set.
  7. Stop the rodents before you even have to trap. First, do a thorough inspection of your property and then be sure to seal up any holes like cracks in foundations or gaps in door stops.  An adult mouse only needs a hole the size of a dime to get inside your house.
  8. If baits aren’t working consider creating a “Hansel and Gretel” trail leading up to your trap (props to Joey Starr for the tip!)

Alternate Rodent Baits - Fun Facts

The Not-So-Complete List of Alternate Rodent Baits

Full disclosure – this list is in no way meant to be complete.  Furthermore, different baits work for different people in different locations.  Do you have a bait that isn’t on this list?  Without a doubt, we would love to hear in the contents below.

Protein-based Baits

  1. Peanut butter (consider possible repercussions of this allergen first)
  2. Soy butter (could be an effective alternative to peanut butter, thank you to Chris Morin from Fusion Pest Management for the tip!)
  3. Beef jerky (like Slim Jim), can be cut into smaller parts, remember, you don’t need a lot.  Thanks to Myron Ritter and John Cunningham from Stark Exterminators and Daniel Connelly from Connelly Pest Control for the tip!
  4. Bacon
  5. Seeds
  6. Thin slices of hot dogs or sausage
  7. Nuts (Nuts should only be use sparingly & perhaps should be steered clear of altogether, particularly in areas like food processing plants – thanks to Dale Hodgson for the tip!)
  8. Snails or slugs
  9. Pet food
  10. Rodent droppings
  11. Bacon bits (added by Sean Wineberg)
  12. Provoke professional gel by Bell Labs (added by Matthew Blair – for an extra boost consider Provoke +  chocolate fudge pudding, tip from Manuel Varela)
  13. Beef grease, like the drippings from a steak, good for hard and unusual situations (thanks again to Chris Morin from Fusion Pest Management!)
  14. Granola (submitted by Junior Delacruz)
  15. Cheese (although it may be, according to Jay Lee from Pirate Pest Control “only used to catch cartoon mice” if you are out of alternatives the smellier and softer the better)
  16. Sunflower Seeds (props to Michael James Burks from B6 Pest Supply)
  17. Hot Sauce (thank you to Edward Cosgrove from Hearts Pest Management)
  18. Canned mackarel – works especially well for rats (thank you to Thomas Tripp from Modern Pest Services)
  19. Sardines (shout out to Paul Potts from Potts Pest Control Ocala for the tip!)
  20. Nutella (thank you to Daniel Connelly from Connelly Pest Control)
  21. Mixture of coconut, flour & salt (props to the team at Horizon Pest Control)
  22. Almond butter (thank you to the team at Arsenal Exterminating for sharing!)

Sweet Baits

  1. Marshmallows
  2. Gum Drops
  3. Chocolate
  4. Dried fruit
  5. Berries
  6. Nutella (shout out to Lawrence Plecha from Biotec Pest for the tip, Daniel Connelly from Connelly Pest Control notes it works particularly well for rats)
  7. Honey or molasses
  8. Cereal
  9. Maple syrup
  10. Molasses
  11. Jelly (added by Mark Whorton)
  12. Liquorice jelly sweets with a sprinkling of oats around the trap and a spritz of aniseed oil spray to take away any human scent (awesome tip and instructions added by Hugh Radford from Guardian Pest Control – thanks, Hugh!)
  13. Tootsie rolls (added by Scott Palatnik)
  14. PayDay candy bars (submitted by Michael James Burks from B6 Pest Supply)
  15. Reese’s peanut butter cup
  16. Starburst (last 2 courtesy of Gary Johnson from Buzzkill Pest Control)
  17. Gummy bears (props to Tom Hudson)

One area to consider if you aren’t have any luck with food-based baits – nesting material!  Just as rodents will seek out food for energy they will also seek out materials for home, particularly females.

Nest Material Alternate Rodent Baits

  1. Cotton balls (to “sweeten” the deal add some vanilla extract – thank you to George Mccutchen, Timothy from Assured Environments & Gary Johnson from Buzzkill Pest Control for the tip!)
  2. Shredded paper towels
  3. Fabric scraps
  4. Dental floss
  5. Yarn
  6. Twine
  7. Cardboard
  8. Packaging materials
  9. Straw
  10. Pillow batting
  11. A shiny dime (submitted by Jerry Vallejos)

Don’t Forget to Alternate

Hopefully the first bait you choose gets the job done but, remember, if your chosen bait isn’t working try something else.  There’s a reason there are so many options!

Did we miss your go-to bait?  Let us know in the comments!

Additional Resources – Alternate Rodent Baits

First, get more great content like this in your inbox – sign up for our mailing list here: https://catchmasterpro.com/join-email/

Next, learn more about our rodent management tools here: https://catchmasterpro.com/collection/rodent-management-tools/

Finally, learn more about your pest management professional options from the National Pest Management Association here: https://npmapestworld.org/

Holiday Rodent Inspection Tips

By | Rodents, Tips & Inspirations, Trapping Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments

Don’t give rodents a home for the holidays – arm yourself with some holiday rodent inspection tips.

Holiday decorations, whether you are getting them out or putting them up, provide a great opportunity to check less-traveled spots for signs of rodents.

Why do rodents visit during the holidays?

Rodents invade our areas searching for the same things we do – food, warmth and shelter.  In addition, they prefer undisturbed areas like attics, closets and crawl spaces.  Undoubtedly, your holiday decorations are stored in a similar spot.  Utilize your time in storage to deploy these holiday rodent inspection tips.

Holiday Home Rodent Inspection

4 signs of rodents to look for during the holidays

  1. Droppings – A mice infestation is often accompanied by droppings. Mice droppings are typically one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch long with pointed ends. Larger problems, like Norway rats, have larger droppings with blunt ends.
  2. Strong odors – attics, basements and storage areas have distinct smells. Mice see poorly but use urine to mark their territories and navigate new surroundings. The urine leaves behind an undeniable scent that smells like ammonia.
  3. Gnaw marks – rodent’s teeth never stop growing and they gnaw in order to keep their teeth at a comfortable length. An often-overlooked sign of a rodent infestation is gnaw marks or shavings found on or around baseboards, doors or cardboard storage containers.
  4. Tracks or rub markets – mice do not see well and hug the walls during travel. Eventually they will memorize the route creating a “marked trail”, the result of body oil and dirt being rubbed against walls or baseboards. A strong flashlight may help you to uncover these rodent markings in the attic or basement.

After inspecting your home talk to a pest management professional about year-round monitoring with the Catchmaster® brand.  Monitoring is a sure way to get ahead of pest infestations.  In addition, monitoring is an important part of an integrated pest management program.

Bobby Kossowicz is a content creator for the Catchmaster® brand, learn more here: https://catchmasterpro.com/blog/bobby-kossowicz/

Additional resources – holiday rodent inspection tips

Get more great content like this in your inbox – sign up for our mailing list here: https://catchmasterpro.com/join-email/

Learn more about our insect glue boards and monitors here: https://catchmasterpro.com/product/insect-traps-monitors/

Get more winter pest tips from the experts at Redfin here: https://www.redfin.com/blog/winter-pest-control-expert-tips

Learn more about your pest management professional options from the National Pest Management Association here: https://npmapestworld.org/

 

Helpful Holiday Pest Prevention for People with Pets

By | Rodents, Tips & Inspirations, Trapping Tips | No Comments

Holiday pest prevention may not be top of mind this time of year.  With family visiting, gifts to wrap and meals to cook it is easy to forget protecting your turf from pests.  But pests are persistent, and they would love nothing more than to get in on your holiday feast.

Holiday Pest Prevention - Rodent Destruction

The Importance of Holiday Pest Prevention for your Pets

Not only can pests ruin your meal, they present a health danger to your pets.  Mice alone can bring dangers like salmonella and hantavirus into your home.  Without a doubt, pests can impact you during the holidays and year-round.  Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to keep your home pest-free this holiday season.

5 Helpful Tips for Holiday Pest Prevention for people with pets

  1. Deck, and inspect, the halls (and other areas) – pests seek the same things we seek at the holidays – food, warmth and shelter. Did you know an adult mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime?  Inspect your home for any openings like cracks in the foundation or gaps in doorways.  Importantly, if openings are found seal them up.
  2. Say no to the table scraps – not only will the feeding your pet possibly be bad for them, the food waste that is left can attract all sorts of pests.
  3. Check the box(es) – when getting out the decorations, be sure to see if there is any damage to the boxes. If you see any gnaw marks it may be an indication of rodents.  Use glue traps to monitor your attic or other storage space year-round and be sure to check for activity.
  4. Inspect your decorations – if signs of rodents have been detected make sure to double-check all of your electrical decorations – frayed wires could present a danger to pets.
  5. Maintain your outdoor areas – seasonal debris like twigs and leaves can provide harborage to rodents and help draw them close to your home. In addition, pests can find homes in piles of unkempt firewood.

Holiday Pest Prevention - Inspection

Trust the Experts

If you discover a pest problem in your home or on your pet work closely with your veterinarian and pest management professional for a safe solution.

Learn more about Catchmaster® insect glue boards and monitors here: https://catchmasterpro.com/product/insect-traps-monitors/

Learn more about your pest management professional options from the National Pest Management Association here: https://npmapestworld.org/

 

Rodent Exclusion Tips

By | blog, Rodents, Tips & Inspirations, Trapping Tips | No Comments

Get Proactive Protection with these Rodent Exclusion Tips for the Fall

The temperatures are getting colder, the leaves are out of the trees and the rodents are heading indoors, but, don’t fret, use these rodent exclusion tips to get ready for the season.

According to PestWorld, mice and other rodents invade an estimated 21 million homes in the United States each winter! Don’t be a part of that staggering statistic. Ensure a pest-free living environment via exclusion work.  Exclusion work can prevent insects and rodents from gaining access to your home.

The importance of rodent exclusion work

Did you know that an adult mouse is able to squeeze through a hole the size of a dime? An afternoon of uncovering and sealing entry points into your home can help you to ensure a pest-free living environment all winter long.

Exclusion work simply means sealing and securing all possible points of entry into a building.  Taking this proactive step can easily reduce and even eliminate pest and rodent activity in the home. Exclusion is cost effective and more efficient in the long run. It reduces the need for chemical pesticides or rodenticides.  The result is a safe alternative for both humans and the environment.

Rodent Exclusion Tips - Home Graphic

In order to be through, begin with an inspection of your home from the inside out.

7 areas to check for rodent exclusion work

  1. Cracks and crevices in the foundation
  2. Improperly sealed vents
  3. Attics
  4. Drain pipes
  5. Door sweeps
  6. Window screens
  7. Garage doors

Caulk works well for tiny gaps, however, for openings two inches or more us copper mesh in order to fill-in holes and entry points.  Because of the mesh, Rodents cannot chew through and gain entry.

Once exclusion is performed remember to monitor indoor areas that cannot be fully sealed with glue boards and trays. Being alerted to a pest or rodent problem early can make the infestation much easier to solve.

Take some time to be pro-active this fall by performing exclusion around your home and enjoy a pest and rodent-free winter.

Bobby Kossowicz is a content creator for the Catchmaster® brand, learn more here: https://catchmasterpro.com/blog/bobby-kossowicz/

Additional resources

Get more rodent tips in your in-box by signing up for our newsletter here: https://catchmasterpro.com/join-email/

Learn more about rodents from the NPMA here: https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/rodents-101/

Keeping Your Home & Pumpkins Safe from Pests this Halloween

By | blog, Insects, Rodents, Tips & Inspirations, Trapping Tips, Uncategorized | No Comments

Halloween pest control can help keep your holiday festive.

Halloween Pest Control - Cota

It’s October, a chill is in the air and homeowners are busy decking their halls with spiders, rats and other creepy crawlers in preparation for Halloween.  It is about the only time of the year that pests are an acceptable décor choice around the home.  Holiday displays aside, here are some tips for keeping the real pests at bay this year.

Spiders – better out than in

Did you know that spiders can actually be a beneficial pest, particularly in your garden? Perhaps not the best news if you suffer from arachnophobia. It’s true though, spiders in your garden play a pivotal role in keeping down the number of plant-killing bugs and may also prevent you from being stung while working in your garden. However, very few of us want to share our homes with these creatures.

Spider pest control tips

  1. To keep spiders out of your home, consider performing some exclusion work, filling cracks and crevices, sealing gaps and openings around the home and replacing door sweeps that may no longer provide a strong seal.
  2. Another great line of defense against indoor spiders is your vacuum cleaner. Suck up any visible spiders and be sure to remove cobwebs around your home as well.
  3. Finally, consider monitoring your home for spiders with our glue traps and boards. Place our glue trays or boards in out of the way areas to find what’s really creeping around your home this fall.

Halloween Pest Control - Rat Facts

Halloween Pest Control – Keeping the Rats at Bay

Much like spiders, rats can enter your home through relatively small cracks and holes. Did you know that a rat can squeeze its body through a hole the size of a quarter? There are a couple of actions you can take to keep rats away. First, fill any holes or gaps you find around the perimeter of your home. Second, keep your plumbing in tip top shape. Like many other pests, rats are drawn to moisture and a leaky pipe can be the water source needed.

Beware the Pumpkin Eaters

Lastly, be careful where you place that seasonal pumpkin. Pumpkins are a huge component of Halloween Pest Control.  Pumpkins left outdoors are a great food source for rats, mice and other rodents and will also draw pests to your home particularly as the pumpkin begins to rot.

Pumpkin pest prevention

  1. Display pumpkins in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and rot from setting in early and attract insects.
  2. You can protect your pumpkins with a simple mixture of bleach and water. Simply spray this mixture on a carved pumpkin each day before Halloween for an easy, effective pest management practice to keep fruit flies and other insects at bay.
  3. To avoid your pumpkin serving as a food source for rodents and squirrels in the area, try coating the pumpkin inside and out with hot pepper sauce.

We hope these tips help you to enjoy the Halloween season where the only pests you see are a part of your seasonal décor.

Bobby Kossowicz is a content creator for the Catchmaster® brand, learn more here: https://catchmasterpro.com/blog/bobby-kossowicz/

Additional Halloween Pest Control Resources

Looking for more Halloween pest tips?  Gest some mosquito tips from our own Captain Stan (aka the Mosquito Man) here: https://catchmasterpro.com/blog/halloween-mosquito-prevention/

Learn more about pests at Pest World, the official site of the National Pest Management Association here: http://pestworld.org/

Halloween Mosquito Prevention

By | Insects, Mosquitoes, Trapping Tips | No Comments

Don’t let mosquitoes take a bit out of your fun this year – use these 4 Halloween mosquito prevention tips to enjoy pest-free trick-or-treating!

Ah- Halloween!  The season of gremlins and ghouls is upon us, and costumes and candy rule the day!  However, if your locality has not experienced a heavy freeze, nasty mosquitoes will still be out on Halloween. Here are a few tips from Vampire Captain Stan to minimize your exposure whether you are dispensing candy or seeking it yourself.

Halloween Mosquito Prevention - Mosquito Fun Facts

4 Easy Halloween Mosquito Prevention Tips

  1. If costumes permit, cover as much of your exposed skin as possible. Limit access for the blood-seekers (mosquitoes, not vampires!)
  2. If needed, use a mosquito repellent that has an EPA-registered active ingredient (https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html)
  3. Mosquitoes love entering houses through open doors. When answering the doorbell, don’t leave the door wide open while giving treats.  Invite the visitors in or go outside with them.  If weather permits, you can set up your candy store outside or in the garage but be sure and protect yourself!
  4. Many kinds of mosquitoes are highly attracted to white light. Consider using yellow ‘bug lights’ or perhaps even super cool Halloween bulbs in your outdoor fixtures.  This will help limit the mosquitoes attracted to your front door as well as to your property.

Happy Haunting and remember:  Safety First!

Captain Stan Cope (aka the Mosquito Man) is our Vice President of Technical Services.  Learn more about Stan here:  https://catchmaster.com/introducing-captain-stan-the-mosquito-man/

Additional Resources

For help with mosquito season 2019 & beyond, discover Catchmaster® mosquito management tools:  https://catchmasterpro.com/product/final-feed-mosquito-bait/

Finally, learn more about mosquitoes from the NPMA here: https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/mosquitoes/