How to Control Pests This Summer

March 23, 2020

Keep unwanted bugs & pests away from your home and yard this summer!

By making a few mindful changes, you can lower the possibility of pests getting into your home and gathering in your yard.

Block Their Entry to Your Home - Check all of your screens for holes and repair if you find any. Inspect your windows and doors; are there any gaps? Replacing your window stripping can be the barrier you need to keep ants and other pests at bay. Blocking the entry to your home is the first line of defense against unwanted visitors in your home.

Clean Your Kitchen - Crumbs are like a treasure chest to ants, other insects, and rodents. It's in your best interest to wipe your counters, sweep your floors, and make sure to put food away immediately. If you keep fruits and veggies on your counter, make sure to keep an eye on them as fruit flies love when they're overly ripe!

Get Rid of Standing Water - Mosquitoes love standing water and often choose the moist locations for a breeding ground. Regularly walk your property to check for any standing water, particularly look at rain spouts and near your air conditioning unit.

Maintain Your Yard - Routinely maintaining your landscape helps to avoid overgrowth, where pests love to make their nests. Trim your bushes and trees that are close to your home, rack up debris, and weed your landscapes to eliminate any places for pests to hide and thrive.

Store Firewood Properly - If you store firewood, keep it as far away from your house or shed as possible and store it on racks above the ground. If termites do infiltrate your property, they're likely to choose the available wood pile instead of your home!

Be Mindful of Garbage Take-Out - Trash sitting in a hot garbage can is a breeding ground for pests. Try not to throw meat scraps into your outside bin unless the garbage is going to be picked up in the next 48 hours. This also rings true for fruits and vegetables and any spoiled leftovers in your fridge.

Inspect Outdoor Furniture - Regularly check your outdoor furniture for spider webs and egg sacks. Removing them quickly can make a difference in the amount of spiders you see outside. However, be kind to the webs that may be in the eaves or window frames of your home, as those spiders can catch and eliminate other pests before they enter your space!

Keep Outside Items Outside - If you have kids and/or pets, designate certain toys for outside play only. If you do have to bring in toys or furniture, make sure to thoroughly wipe them down to ensure they aren't carrying any pesky passengers.

Contact Killo Exterminating Co Inc When You're in Need - Routinely spraying for bugs and rodents common to your area can keep them away from your outdoor entertaining space and from entering your home. A professional pest control company can provide more protection than you may be able to on your own and can give you peace of mind. Contact Killo Exterminating Co Inc today for assistance! Our pest control services extend to clients throughout the greater Huntersville and Charlotte, NC areas.

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How to Get Rid of Rats from Your Yard and Prevent Them from Returning

By Killon Exterminating Co., Inc. • September 8, 2025

Rats are one of the most persistent and destructive pests that can invade outdoor spaces. They are highly adaptable, reproduce rapidly, and are capable of causing significant damage to gardens, property structures, and even personal health. If left uncontrolled, a rat infestation can grow quickly and become far more challenging to address. The key to successful rat control is to remove existing rodents and then implement measures that make your yard unappealing to them in the future. At Killo Exterminating Co., Inc., we have decades of experience helping homeowners and businesses protect their property from pests. Understanding the Risks of Rats in Your Yard Rats are not only a nuisance but also a health hazard. They can carry numerous diseases that pose risks to humans and pets, such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and rat-bite fever. In addition to health threats, rats can cause structural damage by chewing through wood, wires, and even soft metals. They also dig burrows that weaken soil stability around gardens, patios, and building foundations. Identifying Signs of Rat Activity Before taking steps to eliminate rats, it is important to confirm their presence. Common signs of rat activity include: Droppings Rat droppings are dark, pellet-shaped, and typically found along walls, near food sources, or in sheltered corners of your yard. Burrows Norway rats in particular dig burrows in soil, under decks, or along foundations. Fresh burrows often have a smooth entrance with loose dirt scattered nearby. Gnaw Marks Rats gnaw on wood, plastic containers, and even outdoor furniture to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Grease Marks Rats often follow the same paths repeatedly, leaving greasy smears on surfaces where their fur brushes against walls or objects. Noises at Night Scratching or scurrying sounds in sheds, under decks, or in walls can indicate rat activity. Once you have confirmed the presence of rats, you can begin targeted removal efforts. Removing Rats from Your Yard Rats are intelligent and cautious, so effective removal requires a methodical approach. 1. Remove Food Sources Rats are attracted to readily available food. Common food sources in yards include pet food left outside, bird seed from feeders, fallen fruit from trees, and unsecured garbage. To reduce food availability: Store garbage in sealed metal or heavy-duty plastic bins with tight-fitting lids. Clean up fallen fruit promptly. Avoid feeding pets outdoors. Use bird feeders with seed catchers to prevent excess spillage. 2. Remove Water Sources Rats require water to survive, and even small amounts can sustain them. Eliminate or reduce standing water by: Fixing leaky outdoor faucets. Emptying bird baths regularly or using models with running water features. Ensuring proper drainage in low-lying areas. 3. Eliminate Hiding Places Rats seek shelter in clutter, overgrown vegetation, and debris piles. Keep your yard well-maintained by: Trimming shrubs and grass regularly. Storing firewood at least twelve inches off the ground and away from buildings. Removing unused equipment or stacked materials where rats could nest. 4. Use Traps Trapping is a safe and effective way to reduce rat populations. Snap traps are commonly used because they kill rats quickly and humanely. Place traps along walls, near burrows, or in areas where droppings are found. Always handle traps carefully and keep them out of reach of pets and children. 5. Professional Rodent Control Services While do-it-yourself methods can help in mild cases, a significant infestation requires professional intervention. At Killo Exterminating Co., Inc., we use baiting programs and exclusion techniques to remove rats efficiently while ensuring safety for your family and pets. Preventing Rats from Returning Once the current infestation is addressed, prevention becomes your primary goal. Rats are opportunistic, so a clean and well-maintained yard makes them less likely to return. 1. Seal Entry Points to Your Home and Outbuildings Even if rats are currently only in your yard, they can easily move indoors. Inspect the exterior of your home and outbuildings for gaps or cracks larger than one quarter of an inch. Seal these with steel wool and caulk, or use hardware cloth for larger openings. Pay special attention to: Gaps around pipes and utility lines Spaces under doors without proper sweeps Openings in vents or crawl spaces 2. Maintain Landscaping Dense vegetation provides shelter and travel paths for rats. Keep grass trimmed and remove any low-hanging tree branches that provide easy access to roofs or attics. Avoid planting thick ground cover directly against building foundations. 3. Keep Waste Secure A consistent waste management routine is crucial. Use bins with lids that lock or clamp shut, and place them on a stable surface to prevent tipping. If possible, store garbage bins indoors until collection day. 4. Monitor Regularly Even after taking preventive steps, it is important to keep an eye out for early signs of rats. Conduct regular inspections of your property, paying attention to areas near fences, sheds, and compost piles. The sooner you detect rat activity, the easier it is to control. Why Professional Help is Often the Best Option Rats are intelligent, adaptable, and capable of avoiding poorly placed traps or ineffective deterrents. A small population can quickly grow, as rats can reproduce every few weeks. Professional exterminators bring specialized knowledge, tools, and products that are not available to the general public. At Killo Exterminating Co., Inc., we use integrated pest management strategies that address the root causes of infestations rather than just treating the symptoms. This approach combines targeted trapping and preventive measures to deliver long-term results. Health and Safety Considerations When dealing with rats, it is essential to protect your health. Always wear gloves when handling traps or cleaning areas where rats have been active. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming droppings, as this can release harmful particles into the air. Instead, use disinfectants to wet contaminated areas before carefully cleaning them. Dispose of dead rodents according to local guidelines to avoid spreading disease. The Long-Term Benefits of a Rat-Free Yard Eliminating rats from your yard does more than protect your garden and property. It creates a safer and healthier environment for your family, pets, and guests. Without rats, you reduce the risk of property damage, avoid costly repairs, and maintain a more pleasant outdoor space. By following the steps outlined above and working with trusted professionals like Killo Exterminating Co., Inc., you can achieve long-term control and prevent future infestations.