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The Importance of Pest Prevention

The Importance of Pest Prevention

Pests thrive year-round and can invade your home at any time throughout the year as they search for food, water and shelter. Pests such as rodents, flies, and roaches can carry harmful diseases that can put you and your family at risk if they invade your home. Year-round pest prevention will provide a pest shield around your home to keep your home healthy and protected.

What is the benefit of having year-round pest prevention from Viking Pest Control?

Having year-round pest prevention with a Viking Home Protection Plan provides a pest shield around your home to keep your home pest-free all year long. Each Home Protection Plan that is offered by Viking includes coverage for a multitude of pests including carpenter ants, rodents, roaches, ants, wasps, and MORE! 

A university-trained Viking Pest technician will perform 3 scheduled exterior preventative treatments throughout the year that are seasonally timed. Between preventative exterior service visits, if you notice any pest activity, give Viking a call and Viking will perform unlimited FREE treatments throughout the year for any pest that is covered under your plan. FREE interior treatments are also included with each Home Protection Plan. Viking’s plans are developed to provide year-long protection, regardless of the season or type of invader. 

Why choose Viking for pest prevention?

Viking Pest has been providing pest control for families and businesses since 1980. Viking is a full-service pest control company offering control and prevention for ants, spiders, termites, and bed bugs to name a few. With locations servicing NJ, NY, PA, MD, and DE, Viking is the local business that you love, with the coverage that you need. Viking offers all clients a FREE and NO OBLIGATION estimate given by a Pest Management Professional. 

Call us today at 1-800-618-2847 or visit us at vikingpest.com/home-protection-plans to learn more about our preventative treatment options. 

With Viking, One Call Gets Them All!

Viking Pest is Hosting Our First Annual Pest Prime Week of 2019!

Starting July 15 – July 19, receive limited-time only deals on Viking’s most popular pest control services for both residential and commercial properties. With savings totaling hundreds of dollars, pest prime week is the optimal time to purchase your pest control needs! Viking Pest is offering deals on a wide array of pest control services, so no matter your pest concern, you can save big July 15 – July 19!  Some Deals Include:

These deals won’t last forever, so buy now! Visit pestprimeweek.com for details and even MORE savings! Viking’s use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques minimizes pesticide use and maximizes safety for your family or business. Viking has an On-Staff Entomologist, and our technicians are university trained and have years of field experience. You benefit from the people that Viking employs by our ability to diagnose your problems quickly and solve them with speed and precision in a safe and effective manner. If it’s fast, sensible solutions to your pest control problems you’re looking for, Viking is the one to call!  Click here for pest prime day savings or click here for a FREE estimate for any pest control service.  

Who is an Entomologist?

Viking Pest has a certified entomologist on staff to assist in the proper identification of pests to ensure the proper treatments are performed and to reduce the risks to non-targeted animals. Viking’s entomologist is very important to the successes of our treatments, but you may be wondering what an entomologist studies, and what specific roles does an entomologist have in the pest control business. Continue reading to learn more!

Entomology is the study of insects including their relationships with the environment and other insects. There are many different fields in which an entomologist can work. An agricultural entomologist studies how to protect crops from pests without harming beneficial species such as bees. Medical entomologists study how to protect people from diseases that are spread through certain insects. Viking’s entomologist not only assists with the proper identification of the pests we treat for, but the effects of our treatments on the environment and other non-targeted pests. Viking’s entomologist assists with Viking’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques minimizing pesticide use and maximizing safety for your family or business. Viking employees are university trained and have years of field experience. You benefit from the people that Viking employs by our ability to diagnose your problems quickly and solve them with speed and precision in a safe and effective manner.

Termites Cause More than $5 billion in U.S Property damage

Wood-destroying insects cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage each year—and yet, it’s something that many homeowners don’t think about until they have a problem. Unfortunately, that out-of-sight-out-of-mind attitude can cost you, big. An average colony of termites can eat about one foot of wood in six months. Over time, a colony could tear through your entire home. Fortunately, there are solutions out there. In Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York/Long Island and New Jersey, home- owners have long trusted Viking Pest Control. Among those helping solve homeowners’ pest problems is Dale Wisser, a technician for Viking who says that he has been in the industry for 53 years. He could retire—but he enjoys it way too much. With that many decades of experience in the field, Wisser has learned exactly what to look for and has likely saved homeowners hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years by spotting problems early on. WDIR: An Invaluable Report One of his regular services is producing WDIRs—or, Wood Destroying Insect Reports. These are incredibly important before buying or selling a home. Last year, Wisser performed 882 of these reports and this year he’s on track to perform more than 1,000. He says that he prefers to perform them with the Realtor and the homebuyer (or seller) present, so that he can explain exactly what he finds. “I work a lot of weekends and my phone is on 24/7 so that I can make myself available to homeowners on their time,” says Wisser, confirming how much he enjoys this line of work. “You might be surprised to find me still crawling under homes at my age, but I love what I do and I’m passionate about it.” In his years in the field, Wisser has seen it all and he admits that no home is safe from termites. He has seen 100-year-old homes with not a single problem and brand-new homes that are completely infested. Wisser explains that termites are subterranean pests that move about in the soil. When they come upon wood, they quickly take up residence—along with tens of thousands of their closest friends. An average termite colony contains between 60,000 to 1,000,000 pests. For this reason, it doesn’t take long for them to do serious damage. Of course, Wisser says that termites are not the only wood-destroying insect that home-owners should be aware of. There are also carpenter ants and bees, which can do damage—though not quite as bad as the termite. In addition to wood-destroying insect control, Viking Pest Control also handles a complete gamut of pest control services including dealing with stinging insects, ants, rodents, bird control and more. Wisser says that he is licensed to perform work in the tri-state area and on any given day you might find him in Maryland, Delaware, or Pennsylvania, performing various pest control services. Regular Check-Ups Even if you’re not buying or selling your home, Wisser says that there is much peace of mind that can be gained from having regular pest control checks performed. It’s easy for home- owners not to think much about pests until they have a problem—but at that point, the damage could already be extremely costly. “Termites start out in the ground and are often doing their damage underneath your home, where you can’t see them,” Wisser says. “We perform quarterly, bi-annual and annual checks in which we’re looking for pests like ants, mice, roaches and wood-destroying insects. By spotting these problems early— before a true infestation—we can prevent a lot of damage.” While homeowners have a lot of options when it comes to choosing pest control services, Viking stands out from the pack. With Wisser’s decades of experience, there are few that have quite the same level of dedication and passion. Wisser also says that his willingness to take calls around the clock sets him apart. “This is my working life—and I love it,” he admits. “I have been doing this a long time and get most of my business from referrals these days. It means a lot that homeowners trust me with their pest control needs and were happy enough with my services to refer me to friends. I’m proud how much our business has grown through word of mouth.”

Are Mosquitos Attracted to Certain Blood Types?

Summer is finally here, and with the advantages of longer days and warmer weather comes some disadvantages as well. The warm weather also brings pests like mosquitos who are looking to make you their next meal. If you are wondering why mosquitos seem to be more attracted to you than others, it may be your blood type. Female mosquitos rely on the proteins found in blood for survival and to produce eggs. Research has found that those with type O blood are found to be more attractive to mosquitos than those with Type A or B blood. While mosquitos may prefer Blood Type O, this is not the only factor that determines what a mosquito will bite. When searching for their next meal, mosquitos rely on their scent and sight. Mosquitos are attracted to carbon dioxide, so the more a person breathes, the more attractive s/he becomes to mosquitos. Mosquitos are also attracted to darker colors as apposed to light colored clothing. In conclusion, yes mosquitos can be attracted to Type O blood, but Type A and B are not safe from mosquito bites as there are many other factors. Protect you and your family this summer from mosquito bites with Viking’s Yard Guard. Call today for a FREE and NO OBLIGATION quote 800-618-2847. One Call Gets Them All!

Top 3 Spring Pests for Businesses

As a business owner, you already know that your building is the foundation of all sales, and it’s appearance can quickly increase or decrease profits. Protect your business’ reputation by maintaining a clean and pest-free environment for your customers. Here are the top three pests to be on the lookout for this spring.

Spiders

These eight-legged pests are in search of cold and dark areas such as your storage room. Spiders can enter your business through poorly sealed windows and in shipments of your inventory. Keeping your storage room clean and organized will help keep spiders away from your assets. Spiders are on the hunt for prey, so if other pests find your business undesirable, spiders will have to look elsewhere for prey.

Ants

These critters are on the hunt for food and water. If there are uncleaned spills or opened food in your establishment, you are creating the perfect environment for ant colonies to thrive.If you spot ants in your establishment, it is important to call Viking Pest Control. Our certified commercial team will locate their point of entry, and make sure the entire colony of ants is eradicated to prevent them from coming back.

Flies

When customers are browsing your selection, they do not want to be bothered by flies buzzing around their heads. Customers who see many flies in a store often assume the building is dirty, and will most likely leave. Flies can mature and multiply quickly, so once they are spotted, it is important to start the pest control process immediately. Viking Pest’s certified commercial team will locate all breeding grounds and eliminate them to prevent flies from distracting your customers.

Viking Advantage

Do you have multiple properties? Concerned about having various pest control companies? Viking's vast presence means there is most likely a Viking office right in your neighborhood. If any pest does find a way into your business, Viking's professionals are there at a moment's notice. We take care of the situation discreetly and work with you for long-term relief. That's the Viking Advantage Commitment: A Regional coverage with a local touch.

Get Your Free Estimate Today.

Let Viking's Shield Care protect your facility starting today

Spotted Lantern Fly Commercial Blog Post

Spotted Lantern Fly Commercial Blog Post

The spotted lantern fly was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014 from Asia.  In 2016 this invasive pest was found in a 174 square mile area.  By 2017 it had expanded to an area more than 3,000 square miles.  Today it has been detected in 12 states and as far away as Minnesota and Oklahoma.  Quarantines preventing the movement of items potentially infested with eggs have even been instituted to help quell the spread of this destructive pest. This spotted lantern fly is more than just a nuisance pest.  It is killing trees and plants.  In one study more than 300 spotted lantern flies were found on a single grape vine.  Vineyards and orchards have been especially hit hard. Negative impacts on commercial fruit, and forestry industries have occurred and are expected to continue as this pest spreads. Contact Viking today to find out what you can do to help protect your business and help to control the spread of this invasive pest today.

Viking Advantage

Do you have multiple properties? Concerned about having various pest control companies? Viking's vast presence means there is most likely a Viking office right in your neighborhood. If any pest does find a way into your business, Viking's professionals are there at a moment's notice. We take care of the situation discreetly and work with you for long-term relief. That's the Viking Advantage Commitment: A Regional coverage with a local touch.

How To Keep Flies Out Of Your Restaurant

No matter how hard you try, flies keep getting into your restaurant, and you’ve run out of ideas to get rid of them. Well, Viking Pest is here to give you some advice to keep flies away and protect your restaurant’s reputation.
  1. Keep Trash and Dumpsters Away from any Entry Points to the Establishment
Keeping any trash close to your establishment is an open invitation for flies. Trash bins located in the kitchen should always be lined and taken out frequently. It is also important to clean trash cans to rid of any food/liquid that may have leaked into the bin.
  1. Keep the Back-of-the-House Clean and Organized.
Practice a first-in-first-out approach to inventory supplies to avoid produce and other food from spoiling and attracting flies. Also make sure that employees are fully cleaning all kitchen equipment on a nightly basis and are also cleaning underneath the equipment. A heavy-duty cleaning may be needed once a month or even weekly depending on the size of your establishment.
  1. Lastly, Call Viking Pest Control!
Viking Pest is the commercial pest control experts! Viking’s Fly Solution begins with a thorough inspection of the establishment, with attention to food storage, waste management, and portals to the dining area, such as windows, doors, unscreened vents, drains and plumbing lines. Using these IPM techniques, flies won’t gain a stronghold within your restaurant, as their breeding and feeding sources are simply unavailable.   Call Viking Pest today for your FREE inspection! 1-800-618-BUGS One Call Gets Them All!

3 Tips to Have the Perfect Memorial Day Barbeque

Memorial Day is finally here, and if you are hosting a BBQ this Memorial Day weekend, you need to follow these three steps to host the perfect event.
  1. Keep the Mosquitos Away!
There is nothing worse than getting eaten alive at an outdoor event. Protect your guests from nasty mosquito bites with Viking Pest’s Yard Guard! Viking will apply the most effective treatment to the target areas on your property to reduce the mosquito population in your yard! Enjoy your BBQ nights without the bites!
  1. Have a Clean and Tidy Home!
Spills happen, but make sure to clean them up right away to avoid any injuries for your guests, but to also keep the ants away! Ants are on the hunt for either food or water, and if you leave food out on your counters for a long period of time, it may become ant infested! Plus, your guests do not want to eat food coming from a kitchen that has an ant problem.
  1. Lastly, Make Sure There are no Wasp Nests Around Your Property
The last thing you need to worry about is one of your guests getting stung by a wasp at your party. You already have so much to worry about between the food and decorations, let Viking Pest take care of any pest concerns you may have to keep you and your guests safe.   Call Viking Pest today 1-800-618-BUGS for your FREE estimate! Let a Certified Viking Employee inspect your home for FREE before Memorial Day to ensure your home is safe and protected.

Can Pest Control Materials Harm Non-Targeted Animals?

  Can rodent control materials kill non-target birds of prey?  Short answer... Yes, secondary poisoning is possible.  But the issue is far more complex and warrants further discussion. This is complex issue that we take very seriously. There are many factors to consider when trying to understand the risks associated with rodent control materials and non-target species exposure.  The particular active ingredient, formulation type, amount applied, application method and application location all impact the risk associated in regard to non-target species.  Regulators, manufacturers and responsible pest management professionals have taken steps in recent years to regulate use of materials in a way that minimizes environmental impacts of the materials used.  I will explain a few. First, we have selected materials that have among the lowest risk to non-target species for our control programs. It should be clear that some materials are much more toxic than others.  See the EPA Report "Potential Risks of Nine Rodenticides to Birds and Non-target Mammals: A Comparative Approach " July 2004.  There are big differences in the levels of inherent risk in the active ingredients available.  We understand these differences and have chosen materials that are among the least risk in our programs Second, we utilize tamper resistant bait stations that are limited to be within 100' of a building by law.  Typically, these are placed against the foundation.  This reduces the likelihood that birds of prey will consume rodents that have eaten the baits.  This is because birds of prey generally search for prey further from areas of human activity and rodents typically have ranges of activity that typically keep them near the structure where the stations are placed. Lastly, a typical hawks/owl is large enough to require a dose that would not likely be present in a single mouse with the active ingredient we utilize.  Multiple feedings on exposed mice would normally be required to lead to mortality. This is why it is important for people to hire professionals so that they can best assess and attempt to mitigate risks to non-target species  when using these materials.  There use is not taken lightly and training on the proper use of this material is the key to preventing risk to non-target animals.  It can be argued that improper use of over the counter rodenticide products by lay persons is likely a much bigger risk to wildlife because misuse is more likely to occur. In closing, while it is possible to have secondary exposure to these products, we go to great lengths to minimize the risk of this occurring.  If you have any additional questions or a scenario you care to discuss further, please feel free to reach out to me to discuss this further.