The Brock Pest
Control Blog

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We All Want A Healthy Lawn

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Panama City Lawn Care

Water is VERY Important, and a key to a healthy lawn...

A healthy beautiful lawn is something we all want. But having a lush green lawn in Florida is a real challenge.

There are several keys to having a great looking lawn: Feeding your lawn, mowing it, and watering it. If you are in the Brock Pest home town of Panama City, FL, you no doubt agree that our area is especially unique. We have temperatures that reach over 100 degrees in the summer, and drop down as low as freezing in the winter.

So let’s start addressing our 3 keys to great looking & healthy lawn:

Feed your Lawn

You must fertilize your lawn. Lawn’s, like people need food and nourishment. Often times, especially if you are close the beach, the soil lacks the needed nutrients for lawns to grow. However, careful attention must be given to the amount of fertilizer, the type, and the time in which it is applied.

Mowing

Many find this fact interesting, that mowing can have an effect on your lawns health. How?

A Few Tips:

  • Don’t cut too much. Taking more than a 1/3 of an inch off your grass can actually stress it.
  • Don’t cut your grass to short. Cut it at the height highest for the species of grass you have.
  • Leave something behind. That is, leaving a some grass clippings can provide some fertilization to the lawn.
  • Stay sharp. Keep the blades on your mower nice and sharp.

Watering

This is extremely important with the Florida heat. Often times grass does poorly not because the sun burns it, but because the heat drains out all the moisture.

An irrigation system can go a long way in providing your lawn the moisture it needs. Irrigation practices however can often damage lawns. In fact, it is known to be the most common cause of lawn damage! There is obviously much more involved in these 3 keys to a healthy lawn. It takes careful planning , observation and possibly several tweaks to get your long looking great. It can be well worth it to consult an lawn care expert!

Health Risks Associated with Roaches

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Nobody likes having roaches around, but often times, many seem to just “deal” with them or put up with them. In Florida, it is easy to get used to seeing them. However, it is important that you are aware of the possible health risks associated with roaches, and roach infestations

Are there really health risks?

Yes! Very much so. Cockroaches can cause a wide variety of health issues and concerns. They can carry different diseases and can cause breathing problems especially. They have even been known to trigger asthma attacks or cause breathing problems with any who already have a breathing disorder.

A shocking discovery …

Studies have shown that ONLY about ten percent of the population think that cockroach infestations can be harmful. That as is mentioned…shocking. That means 90% percent of the population thinks of roaches as annoying or just discussing, but not dangerous to your health.  This is simply not true. Cockroaches carry disease, bacteria and even viruses.

Don’t take the risk

You need to be aware of the potential health concerns of roaches. If you have seen roaches in your home, it is possible you have an roach infestation and your health could already be being affected in subtle ways. Don’t risk your families health, and continue to put up with roaches.

If someone in your household has a breathing disorder or weak immune system, please seek professional help from Brock Pest Control. We can review your situation at no cost to you, and make you aware of any potential health concerns and provide you the details on how we can clean up the infestation.

House Plant Pests

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House Plant Bugs

Keep your plants beautiful.

You love your house plants, they add a touch of our beautiful surroundings to the interior of our homes.

What you do not love are pests and bugs that that might live in them!

This article is designed to explain some of the most common house plant pests.

Most of the time, bugs arrive in new house plants. Therefore, one of the best counter measures you can take for house plant bugs, is to inspect the plant before you bring it home.

What To Look For

When inspecting your newly purchased plant, use this short check list to ensure your plant is healthy and free from bugs.

  • Check the leaves for any strange spots or holes. Chewed edges could also be a sign of pests, and for you to select another plant.
  • This seems obvious, but see if there are any visual signs of bugs on the plant.
  • Mildew or white dust. This is typically fungus and a breeding area for bugs, and a sign of an unhealthy plant.

House Plant Pests

These are the most common types of house plant pests and bugs: Whiteflies, Mealybugs, Aphids, Spider mites, Scale, Thrips, Fungus Gnats.

What Can You Do?

Icky. These are certainly things that you do not want to spread in your home. So, what can you do? A simple suggestion is to remove insects by wiping them off with a damp cloth. However, if there is an infestation in the plant, this won’t work. If you think you might have an infestation of bugs, it might be best to contact a professional. This is especially true if you believe multiple plants may be effected.

You’ve Seen Roaches

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There are about 3,500 Cockroach species in the world! Guess where about 70 of those species live? Yep, you guessed it, in Florida.

Whether you are a long time resident, or just a seasonal visitor you have seen these tough critters. In either case, the sighting of roaches is not a desired one.

Sometimes you might hear them referred to as water bugs or palmetto bugs. We always say their palmetto bugs when their inside your house, and roaches when their out.

What Do They Look Like?

Roaches are typically a reddish brown color and about an inch and a half in length. They are oval in shape, and have flat seemingly indestructible bodies. Many people don’t realize that both male and female are fully winged. They can fly short distances, but they do so rarely. You will most likely see them crawling about.

Where Do They Lurk?

Roaches stay in groups called harborages in the daytime. At night they can be found in feeding groups, this is also the time they are most active.

You may have noticed too, that they are not picky eaters. Paper, glue, dog food, shoes and even other roaches are all on the menu.

What Roaches Are In Florida?

Most who live or visit Florida see the American Roach. This is the largest species of roach. They can be identified by their size, and light brown markings behind and on their head. Other roach species are the German Roach, Brown Banded Roach, Australian Roach and the Florida Woods Roach.

A pest control specialist can identify what you might be seeing around your home.

Roach Extermination

Roaches are particularly tough. Many try roach motels and baits, gels and sprays. Though these sometimes can have an effect, it’s important to know if you have an infestation, and how bad it might be. Many times people think that just because they only see a few roaches periodically, that it’s fine. But, it could really mean there is a major roach problem.

We love Florida, but we don’t love the roaches. You don’t have to live with them though! Contact a Roach Pest Control specialist if you are tired of seeing roaches.

When Is Termite Season?

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Termite Pest Control, Panama City

Termite Damage, Year Round

You might be surprised at the answer to this question. Many believe that termite season has a start and end date every year. Believe it or not, this is actually not true.

These lovely little insects are active ALL year long, so constant protection is a must. You might say “I see termite winds and droppings more often during March and November)”. This is also true.

Termites are most visible March thru November, as they are more active in these months if you are in warmer climates. If you are in a cooler climate, Termites are less active.

The important thing to remember is since in all cases of Termites, they are active year round, and can be damaging your home during those cozy winter seasons when everything seems more peaceful.

A Termite Season?

We just said termites do not have real season, which is still true, but Termite Season is still considered March thru November because again, that is when Termites are visible.

The extent you see Termites, will vary greatly on your location. Here in the Panhandle, Termites are pretty visible during the season. Some even see the Termite swarms. Drywood Termites, set nicely in a warm home may not be affected by the temperature that much, and they will stay put.

Subterranean termites create nests. So they are often tucked away from cooler weather and are protected. Any temperature that is somewhat regulated, can provide a perfect place for termites.

Identify

A trained Termite specialist knows what to look for even in the “off season” of Termites. It is always better to have your home checked periodically, than have to repair costly Termite damage.

Are the Bugs Cooling Off Too?

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Yes, as fall approaches we just love that cooler weather here in the Panhandle. The beaches and state parks are beautiful in Panama City Beach and Destin. Some say this is their favorite time of year.

With the summer heat fading, it seems all the bugs and critters are gone too. Though, “seems” is the operative word there…

Many believe insects simply die when it gets too cold, but this is not the case at all. It can be quite the opposite in fact.

Where are the Bugs at?

Many insects are in hibernation. Yes, insects can hibernate! Like little bears. Though, insects are generally not cute and cuddley.

Soil dwellers or wood dwellers start digging deeper into their surroundings to protect themselves. Think about the many insects that have hard shells. These casings also serve as a protection. Even insect eggs are designed to withstand winters and cool weather.

For those who do not hibernate they follow the same principle, digging deeper for protection. However, they still remain active.

These pests included roaches, ants, termites and rats & mice. Rodents can be a particular problem as they want to come inside your home for warmth and food.

Stay Protected in Fall and Winter

If you don’t like the thought of creepy crawlies in your walls and in unseen places during the cooler months, just simply maintain your pest control plan. Regular pest control maintenance goes a long way and ensures your home stays pest free.

Bed Bugs 101

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We have all heard the old saying “Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite” right? Well, the advice is somewhat still very true. Some say this old saying originated years ago in the times when bed bugs were a very common problem. Wrapping yourself up “tight” would hopefully prevent you from getting bitten. Though this was probably pretty ineffective.

The very true part of this saying is that Bed Bugs are back, and are biting. This time with a vengeance…

What are Bed Bugs?

Bed Bugs are small oval shaped insects. They don’t fly, even though they may have wings, and belong to the Cimicidae insect family. There are 3 different species that bite. Adult bed bugs grow to be about 5 to 7mm long. While nymphs or the juveniles are as small as 1.5mm long.

Bed Bugs Panama City

Sleep Tight, Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite

Bed bugs are sometimes mistaken for ticks. Probably because their bodies are flat and dark. The feed on the blood from humans and animals. Needless to say, you do not want them in your home biting your family and pets.

Where are Bed Bugs Found?

Bed Bugs were pretty common before the World Wars, but seemed to have become rare after pesticides were used. However, the occurrences of bed bug infestations has been growing at an alarming rate.

They can live in any area of the home and can reside in tiny cracks of furniture. In harmony with their name, they seem to prefer areas where people sleep.

How Do You Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

There are many do-it-yourself pest control treatments that may work for minor insect infestations. Bed Bugs, is not one of them. For example, a professional will determine if a mattress can be treated or actually needs to be discarded.

Also, a Pest control expert will know which areas may require a deep cleaning with a stiff brush, removing eggs. Treating bed bug infestations with heat is also very effective, but requires specialized equipment and training.

If you think you have a Bed Bug infestation, talk to a professional to limit more risk to your family. Brock Lawn and Pest Control, would be happy to visit your home for a Free Analysis and Estimate.

Does a Clean Home mean a Pest Free Home?

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Clean Home Prevent Pests?

Does this mean no Pests?

Well, the answer is yes and no. Why do we say that? Keeping your home clean is a good proactive step to keep bugs away. When food is cleaned from counters, cabinets and tables, bugs have less of a food source. Certain types of bugs anyway.

Cleaning your home on a regular basis may also help to pick up bugs roaming around and any eggs they may have laid in corners of rooms or crevices.

However, even if you have the most meticulous home in the neighborhood, you could still get an infestation of bugs like termites and roaches. How is this so? Because there are many ways bugs and pests can get in your home and settle down. We will be posting an article soon that will contain some common ways bugs can get into your home, and what you can do to prevent it.