<![CDATA[C&C Home Services - C&C Blog]]>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 04:33:28 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Pest Control in the WINTER?? Is it necessary??]]>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:33:58 -0800http://www.iowapestanddeck.com/1/post/2012/01/pest-control-in-the-winter-is-it-necessary.htmlYES!!  Pest do not hibernate in the winter...they come INside - to find warmth.  Invasive pests want to be indoors during the winter for the same reasons you do - which makes pest control in the winter is just as important as it is in the warmer months. 

*** Cutting your pest control service during the winter season as a cost-saving measure gives pests a head start in the Spring!!

REMEMBER:
1. Pests that live inside the walls of your home are NOT affected by the cold temperatures outdoors.
     *  Termites, carpenter ants, cockroaches, earwigs, etc. can thrive indoors when the weather is less than desirable OUTside
     *  Attics provide harborage to other insects - like wasps and spiders -as they search for place to escape the cold.
2. Rodents can find their way into your home if all entry points are not properly sealed off.
3. If left untreated, spider webs and egg cases can accumulate and create even more problems when they try to re-infest your home in the Spring..

PEST ACTIVITY MAY SLOW DOWN A BIT IN THE WINTER, BUT IT DOES NOT GO AWAY.

CALL EDDIE today at 515-537-7752 for the most fairly priced pest control rates in the metro!!
]]><![CDATA[Noises coming from INside your walls???]]>Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:15:25 -0800http://www.iowapestanddeck.com/1/post/2011/12/noises-coming-from-inside-your-walls.htmlIt could be MICE!! 

It's cold outside....mice are looking for warmth like humans would do....so when it turns cold - the come INSIDE!  Because they do not hibernate, they will store large quantities of food in different places, to rely on in harsh weather.

Mice are mainly nocturnal and begin to forage after dusk... so night time is when you may start to hear their scratching noises from within you walls.

Mice can get through the smallest of holes...so a thorough inspection of your property needs to be done and those holes need filled to keep them out.

The presence of mice and rats in our homes often causes significant concern. Mice can do considerable damage by gnawing their way through wood, paper, clothing, and other materials to get into containers, cupboards, drawers and other areas. They may also carry diseases or parasites that could be passed on to you or your pets.  They contaminate our food.

Mice breed throughout the year. A mouse will have eight to ten litters of 3-16 young annually,

Mice enter buildings at ground level through VERY small openings and can be found anywhere from the basement to the attic. They build nests in the space between double walls, floor joists and concealed, enclosed spaces in cupboards or under counters.

The first line of defence is to rodent-proof to prevent more animals from coming in. Good housekeeping, proper storage and handling of food and disposal of organic wastes are essential.

CALL C&C HOME SERVICES today for a rodent inspection!!  C&C HOME SERVICES offers THE MOST AFFORDABLE pest management prices in central Iowa! 

515-537-0020
]]><![CDATA[Pesticides provide benefits!]]>Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:24:57 -0800http://www.iowapestanddeck.com/1/post/2011/07/pesticides-provide-benefits.htmlDID YOU KNOW?


There are significant risks associated with leaving certain pests uncontrolled;

and, in some cases, pesticides are the only viable alternative. Properly used,

pesticides provide benefits essential to our way of life. Uncontrolled pests can

cause serious consequences:

• A person bitten by mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus may die.

• A child stung by bees, wasps, or ants may suffer a severe allergic

reaction.

• A dog infested with fleas may become stressed to the point of illness.

• A homeowner may have to spend thousands of dollars to repair structural

damage caused by termites.

CALL C&C HOME SERVICES for the BEST prices on professional pest management services in the area!!!!  515-537-7752

]]><![CDATA[Another reason why DIY PEST CONTROL may not be a good idea....]]>Fri, 17 Jun 2011 07:28:46 -0800http://www.iowapestanddeck.com/1/post/2011/06/another-reason-why-diy-pest-control-may-not-be-a-good-idea.htmlhttp://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1992/5-6-1992/orchard.html
by Mark Gleason, Department of Plant Pathology

"With increased Federal regulation of pesticides, the range of pesticide products available to homeowners at retail outlets such as garden centers and nurseries is narrower than a few years ago. With fewer choices, it's especially critical that homeowners read the labels on these products with great care in order to avoid misuse.It's all too easy to misunderstand a pesticide label. A good example is "Ortho Home Orchard Spray," a very widely sold product that is a mixture of a fungicide (captan) and two insecticides (malathion and methoxychlor). The label recommends applying the product during the bloom period on peaches, cherries, and apricots. The major pest targeted during the bloom period is brown rot, a fungal disease. However, the insecticide components of "Home Orchard Spray" are highly toxic to the bees that pollinate the blossoms, so a spray when bees are active can devastate their populations and result in poor fruit set. Another part of the "Home Orchard Spray" label includes a caution against using the product when bees are active, but this is easily overlooked unless the label is read carefully and thoroughly. Another problem is that many people are unaware of the usual timing of bee activity (active during midday, less active at dawn and dusk).

This example brings up a fundamental drawback of "combination" products such as "Home Orchard Spray": often, a spray is applied when one of the pesticides (the fungicide or the insecticide) has no benefit to the crop. The result is that these pesticides are wasted. "

DIY Pest Control products are not always a good idea.  CALL a licensed PRO with 19 years of experience!! 515-537-7752  C&C HOME SERVICES

]]><![CDATA[BED BUGS - and why BIGGER does NOT mean BETTER....]]>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:52:37 -0800http://www.iowapestanddeck.com/1/post/2011/03/bed-bugs-and-why-bigger-does-not-mean-better.htmlIS BIGGER BETTER?

When you search the yellow pages or the internet looking for a company to do business with....what ads catch your eye 1st?  The BIG company's ads?  The companies who have a BIG advertising budget?  Where does that money come from?  Simply put -- CUSTOMERS - the people who pay their high prices.

When you drive around the city, you will see BIG pest vehicles driving around  and on t.v. the big companies are running ads about their BED BUG SNIFFING DOGS.  Again -- who pays for dogs that average $11,000 each and the big heat trailers that run $40,000-75,000?? 

Their CUSTOMERS do!

ARE BED BUG SNIFFING DOGS NECESSARY???

The key to bed bug control is FINDING THEM FAST & STARTING TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY if they are present!

If a company tells you their dog is 100% effective, be vary wary. NO dog (or human) is 100% effective in detecting bed bugs, and some are much less so.

The most important thing for customers to know is that bed bug sniffing dog "alerts" need to  be visually verified!

IF A DOG "ALERTS" to bed bugs -- THE ONLY WAY TO VERIFY if there are actual bed bugs present is for a VISUAL INSPECTION.  WHO does the visual inspection?  A HUMAN!  Bed Bugs are NOT so little they can't be seen by a human - regardless of their pest knowledge. (SEE PICTURE BELOW)  YOU could find bed bugs if you knew what to look for!

KEYS TO MANAGE A BED BUG INFESTATION:

1. INSPECTION - a thorough inspection by a trained pest control technician
2. IDENTIFICATION - correctly identifying the infestation
3. CLEAN, REDUCE & DISCARD - cleaning and reducing clutter in the room(s) is ESSENTIAL and sometimes discarding items all together is necessary if they cannot be encased inside a protective cover
4. TREAT IMMEDIATELY - there are MULTIPLE ways to treat for bed bugs
5. VIGILANCE & PREVENTION - keep monitoring the situation by using a pest pro with EXPERIENCE (Eddie has 19 years of professional experience BTW).  Do your own inspections when you travel, keep clutter to a minimum and be wary of purchasing/taking gifted USED furniture/mattresses!

BED BUGS ARE CHALLENGING PESTS TO CONTROL......
PERIOD!!!  They hide in MANY places in the infested areas so effective & thorough treatments are so important!  AND STARTING SERVICE IMMEDIATELY IS VERY IMPORTANT, TOO!!  (Call a BIG company in town and ask how long their wait to treat is.  Often times, you will have to wait for WEEKS!)

USE A PRO!!!  Insecticides alone won’t control bed bug infestations. Their use must be combined with a program of removing and cleaning infested beds, bedding, and other harborage sites then following up with a regular detection program to ensure treatment was effective. The most effective bed bug pesticides are available to commercial pesticide applicators only. Professionals also have the equipment and expertise that allow a more effective application of insecticides than residents could do themselves. In addition, professionals have the training to detect and isolate infestations, which often allows for more effective control.

CALL C&C HOME SERVICES TODAY if you think you have a potential bed bug infestation!  515-537-7752.  Our overhead is low -- everything we have is PAID FOR -- so we don't have to pass on additional costs to our customers!!


Doubts Rise on Bedbug-Sniffing Dogs"  NY Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/12/nyregion/12bedbugs.html
Picture
Adult bed bugs are about 3/16-inch long and reddish-brown, with oval, flattened bodies. They are sometimes mistaken for ticks or cockroaches.
]]><![CDATA[BENEFITS INCLUDED WITH YOUR C&C HOME SERVICES PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM]]>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:39:56 -0800http://www.iowapestanddeck.com/1/post/2011/01/benefits-included-with-your-cc-home-services-pest-management-program.htmlBENEFITS INCLUDED WITH YOUR C&C HOME SERVICES PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
* Protection from the most common general household pests

* Inspection for termites & other wood destroying insects during your regular services - ALWAYS

* Additional services in between your regular service at NO additional cost if a problem reoccurs

* The most effective & least invasive treatments designed with your children & pets in mind

* Appointments scheduled at your convenience - not ours

* State licensed, Termidor® certified, fully insured

* One pest control pro with 18 years of professional pest management experience - you'll always know who is treating your home at EVERY service - NO "revolving door" of technicians that may only have weeks or months of experience]]><![CDATA[Ants Number One Nuisance Pest in America]]>Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:42:47 -0800http://www.iowapestanddeck.com/1/post/2010/10/ants-number-one-nuisance-pest-in-america.htmlTaken from National Pest Management Association -- this survey offers public insights into pests and pest control usage.

According to the 2010 Pest Control Attitudes and Usage Survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), ants are the number one pest concern, with termites, spiders, cockroaches and mosquitoes not far behind. Nearly 60 percent of U.S. homeowners currently use or have used a professional pest control company for pest problems and preventative care in their homes.

“Pests are more than nuisances in our daily lives. They can destroy property and pose health risks to children and adults alike. Our survey tells us many homeowners recognize these threats and recognize that effective pest control requires professional services,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Regular professional pest control should be part of every homeowner’s maintenance plan.”

The survey polled more than 1,000 homeowners in the U.S. and examined their opinions about pest problems and professional pest control. Here are several key highlights:

*** 54 percent of survey respondents named ants as their top pest concern. Ants have long been the scourge of homeowners as they invade kitchens in warm months in search of food.

*** 53 percent of survey respondents believe pest control professionals are more effective in handling household pest problems than they are. That number spikes to 88 percent when asked of current pest control users.

*** 59 percent of current pest control users elect to have a contract with a pest control company because they feel it best protects their family. 56 percent also cite intolerance of pests as a secondary issue.

*** 84 percent of respondents, who use professional pest control, had their most recent pest problem resolved in one to two visits. Those who tried to deal with the problem themselves had varying rates of success, many failing to eliminate the problem.

Call C&C HOME SERVICES for a FREE estimate today!!!  Eddie has 18 YEARS in the pest management industry!! 

AND DON'T FORGET -- if you are currently on service with another provider -- call us and ask how you can SWITCH FOR FREE!!!!
]]><![CDATA[Hide those ugly GARBAGE CANS!]]>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:18:58 -0800http://www.iowapestanddeck.com/1/post/2010/09/hide-those-ugly-garbage-cans.htmlIf you're like most people - you can't find a place to put the enormous city garbage & recycling totes we are stuck with.  And even if you do have the room for them in your garage -- they stink too badly to leave them inside. 

We added a concrete pad -- THANKS to our good friend Steve at PEARSON"S LANDSCAPING & GRADING - and built this attractive fence.  Easy to move them around - but hidden as requested per our neighborhood "covenants" - and lit with solar lighting so they are easy to get to in the dark.

Call C&C Home Services for a FREE estimate on this project today!!  537-7752
]]><![CDATA[Ants: The Spring House Guest No One Wants]]>Wed, 21 Apr 2010 07:55:49 -0800http://www.iowapestanddeck.com/1/post/2010/04/ants-the-spring-house-guest-no-one-wants.htmlAnts: The Spring House Guest No One Wants, But Nearly Everyone Gets Monday, April 12, 2010 
Springtime is ant time as ants march into homes in search of food. With more than 700 species of ants in the U.S. and about two dozen classified as pests, many homeowners will likely encounter these unwelcome visitors.

“Ants are more than a nuisance. They can contaminate food, bite when threatened and damage our property,” noted Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association. “However, which species of ant invades can depend on geography.”

Here are some species homeowners should lookout for this spring:

Odorous house ants get their name from the strong, rotten coconut-like smell they give off when crushed. Odorous house ants like sweets and are found in exposed soil and wall cracks in every region of the U.S.

Carpenter ants typically tunnel into soft wood to build their nests and need a constant water source to survive. This species is found across the U.S. and can cause significant property damage.

http://www.pestworld.org/press-releases/ants-the-spring-house-guest-no-one-wants-but-nearly-everyone-gets

Call C&C Home Services for a FREE estimate on AFFORDABLE pest control services for your home or business!! 515-537-7
]]><![CDATA[Why hire a Pest Management PRO???]]>Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:19:50 -0800http://www.iowapestanddeck.com/1/post/2010/04/why-hire-a-pest-management-pro.html1. Pest control pros use pesticides that last months as opposed to pesticides bought in stores that have residual effects lasting hours/days.

2. Pest control pros have the knowledge plus years and years of experience in identifying pests - and have a variety of pesticides available to handle multiple/specific pest issues safely

3. The pesticides used by professional pest control companies are regulated for consumer protection. We know the safe, but effective amount of pesticide to use.

4. Pest control companies must be licensed in Iowa.

5. Professionals know the safest way to treat the problem. Bees and wasps can be dangerous if they’re not handled properly. 

6. Professionals can identify problems quickly. Termites and carpenter ants can cause hundreds/thousands of $dollars$ in damage if not treated in a timely manner with effective PROFESSIONAL pesticides.

7.  The pros will offer additional services in between your regular service at NO additional cost if a problem reoccurs.

8.  Pros are trained to apply pesticides in the most effective & least invasive treatments designed with your children & pets in mind.
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