Ticks are infamous disease spreaders. While best known for spreading Lyme Disease, ticks are responsible for spreading a variety of other ailments, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Alpha-Gal syndrome, Powassan Virus, and Anaplasmosis, among others. One particularly noteworthy tick-borne disease is Babesiosis. While historically the parasitic disease was limited in its range to the Northeast and the Upper Midwest, ticks carrying the disease have been found further south, including in the Mid-Atlantic states of Delaware and Maryland.

How Ticks Spread Disease

Ticks pick up the disease by feeding on the blood of rodents like mice, shrews and chipmunks. Hiding inside the rodent blood is Babesia microti, the parasite that causes Babesiosis. When the tick bites a new host and begins feeding, there’s a good chance that the disease will be passed on and infect the tick’s latest victim. Babesiosis parasites harm people by destroying their red blood cells. While some people may experience no symptoms, Babesiosis is known to cause headaches, body aches, fever, chills, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. In extreme cases, if left untreated, the disease can cause organ failure and death.

Due to changes in the climate, ticks are active for more of the year and have expanded their territory. Entomologists have found Blacklegged Ticks, also known as Deer Ticks, carrying the disease farther south than usual, including the peninsula formed by Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Rare human cases of Babesiosis have also been found in the region.

Preventing Tick Bites

Ticks tend to live on tall grasses and can be difficult to see due to their small size. Most ticks are the size of a seed. When going outdoors, it’s essential to protect yourself properly. Skin coverage is critical. Ticks are most likely to latch onto humans by their feet and lower legs, so it is wise to cover them with shoes and socks when wandering into the grass. You should wear full-length pants and long sleeves if you walk into heavily wooded areas, where black-legged ticks are more common. While unfashionable, you should also tuck your pants into your socks to prevent ticks from climbing up your legs beneath your pants. EPA-approved tick sprays can also help to keep these vampiric pests away.

Whenever you come in from outdoors, it’s important to check yourself and any kids or pets for ticks. If you find ticks shortly after they first latch on, it reduces the risk of disease transmission. Ticks aren’t going to let go of their host without a fight, so follow this guide to learn how to remove a tick.

Professional Tick Treatment from Viking Pest and Last Bite

The best way to deal with ticks is not to encounter them in the first place. That’s why Viking Pest offers, Last Bite, our Tick and Mosquito treatment service. Last Bite can help you get rid of ticks on your yard before they can get to you or your family, preventing the risk of tick-borne diseases to begin with. Call Viking today to schedule a Last Bite treatment.

 

Pictured:   Barbara Hess, VP Operations - Viking, Robert Lagomarsino Branch Manager – Viking , James McIntyre, President – Viking, Thomas Andes - Denville Mayor, Kevin Murphy, Director of Business Operations -  Morris County Chamber of Commerce, Ben Snyder, VP Business Development – Viking

 

Award-Winning Pest Control Company Expands Reach to Better Serve Northwest NJ

BASKING RIDGE, NJ, May 6, 2025 - Viking Pest Control is pleased to announce the opening of a new branch office in Denville, NJ, enabling the acclaimed company to better service homes and businesses in Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties. Viking has partnered with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and is excited to be a part of such a robust business community. Together, they are hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening on May 7, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 pm at 321 Palmer Rd., Unit 1, Denville, NJ 07834.

 

Viking Pest offers award-winning pest control services and has been recognized on multiple national and regional "best of" lists for pest control, mosquito services, termite services, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Publications praising Viking include Forbes Home, The Spruce, Better Homes and Gardens, CNN Underscored, and Real Simple. Viking Pest also has more than 3,000 five-star reviews on Google and an A rating from the Better Business Bureau.  

 

Viking Pest is a QualityPro member, meaning its customers will receive professional pest management solutions performed by certified individuals. Viking also holds GreenPro membership, meaning it is a leader in sustainable pest control standards. Additionally, Viking is the region's exclusive provider of Anticimex SMART Rodent Control.

"We’re excited to expand our presence in Northwest New Jersey,” says Robert Lagomarsino, Branch Manager “For more than 40 years, Viking Pest Control has built a reputation for reliable, eco-friendly service that homeowners and businesses can count on. By opening a local branch in the area, we’ll be able to respond faster, support our community more directly, and continue delivering the high-quality pest management our customers have come to expect.”

 

Viking Pest Control is a leading provider of pest management services committed to ensuring a healthy and safe living environment for its customers. With a team of highly skilled professionals and a customer-centric approach, the company offers comprehensive pest control solutions tailored to meet individual needs. Viking's dedication to excellence, innovation, and community involvement sets it apart as a trusted industry leader.

 

For more information on Viking's extended coverage in New Jersey, call 800-618-2847 or visit their website.

 

As the weather warms up, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets begin to emerge in full force. These stinging insects can pose serious risks to your family, pets, and property if left unchecked. Early prevention is essential to keep your home and yard safe—and Viking Pest Control is here to help with expert solutions tailored to your region.

Why Wasp Prevention Is Important

Wasp infestations are more than just a nuisance. Their stings can be painful and even dangerous for those with allergies. Beyond the health risks, wasps may build nests in eaves, attics, sheds, and other structures, potentially causing property damage and long-term pest problems.

Working with a trusted pest control provider like Viking Pest ensures your home receives the most effective and proactive wasp prevention available in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Common Wasp Species in NJ, MD, DE, and PA

While different species of wasps are active across our service areas, the most common you’ll encounter include:

•    Paper Wasps – Recognizable by their umbrella-shaped open-comb nests, they typically nest under eaves and ledges. They feed on nectar, small insects, and fruit.

•    Cicada Killers – Large solitary wasp species common in the region. Cicada Killers may look intimidating but are generally non-aggressive and rarely sting unless provoked.

•    Mud Daubers – Solitary and less aggressive, these wasps build tube-shaped nests out of mud. They’re known for hunting spiders to feed their young.

•    Yellow Jackets – Highly aggressive and often nesting in the ground or within wall cavities, yellow jackets are frequent uninvited guests at outdoor meals and trash bins.

Knowing the species helps Viking Pest develop precise treatment and prevention strategies that address the unique behavior of each type.

Why Wasps Might Be Targeting Your Yard

There are several reasons wasps are attracted to your yard or home:

•    Abundant Food Sources – Open trash, pet food, sugary drinks, or compost can attract foraging wasps.
•    Water Access – Standing water in birdbaths, gutters, or plant pots is a magnet for thirsty wasps.
•    Nesting Opportunities – Sheds, attic vents, soffits, and even wall voids provide safe harborage.
•    Pollinator Activity – While wasps do help control pests, an overpopulation can harm beneficial pollinators like bees, potentially disrupting your garden's ecosystem.

Wasp infestations can escalate quickly, so taking early action is critical.

5 Simple, Effective Tips to Prevent Wasps

Here are five proven steps to help reduce the risk of wasps on your property:

1. Seal Entry Points: Inspect and seal cracks or gaps in siding, vents, and soffits.
2. Remove Food Sources: Keep outdoor eating areas clean, tightly seal trash cans, and store pet food indoors.
3. Eliminate Standing Water: Fix leaks and empty containers that collect rainwater.
4. Use Natural Deterrents: Plant wasp-repelling herbs like mint, eucalyptus, or citronella near high-traffic areas.
5. Install Wasp Traps: Set out baited traps early in the season to catch queens before they build nests.

If you're already seeing signs of wasp activity, it may be time to bring in the professionals.

Total Wasp Control with Viking Pest

At Viking Pest Control, we understand the unique challenges of pest control across New Jersey, Maryland's Eastern Shore, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Our team of local experts uses cutting-edge, eco-friendly solutions to safely remove wasps and prevent their return. We offer customized residential and commercial treatment plans designed around your property’s needs.

Whether you’re dealing with a few foraging wasps or a large hidden nest, Viking has your back. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and learn how our SMART pest control technologies and family-safe products can protect your home—season after season. 

The mosquito is the most deadly animal in the world—more dangerous than sharks, bears, and snakes combined! Mosquitos infamously spread Malaria, one of the most dangerous diseases in the world. While Malaria outbreaks in the United States are exceedingly rare, mosquitos can still spread a wide variety of dangerous ailments including West Nile Virus, Zika virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

In addition to threats to people, mosquitos are also dangerous for pets. Mosquitos are an infamous cause of heartworm in dogs.

How To Keep Mosquitos Away

Mosquito repellent helps keep mosquitoes and ticks from biting you by blocking your scent. Some people like using natural sprays, but the CDC says not all of them are safe for children or nursing mothers. For example, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus shouldn’t be used on kids under 3. But repellents with DEET or Picaridin are safe when used as directed—even for kids.

Always choose a repellent that’s registered with the EPA. These have been tested to make sure they are safe and effective. If you’re going somewhere with a lot of mosquitos stick with products like DEET or Picaridin—especially ones that are over 25% strength. Natural repellents usually don’t last as long and need to be used more often. If you have sensitive skin, you can spray repellent on your clothes instead of your skin. Another option that avoids skin contact is also clip-on devices that can help keep mosquitoes away. Some claim that noise machines can scare off mosquitoes. This is a myth. Don’t waste your money.

Traps that use carbon dioxide (CO2) can help, but they have to be placed in the right spot. If you put them too close to people, they might attract more mosquitoes than they repel! Bug zappers that use lights don’t work very well for mosquitoes and might hurt beneficial insects instead. Some plant-based sprays made from oils can work, but they don’t last as long and can smell strong. Don’t spray them on flowers, because that can hurt bees.

How You Can Prevent Mosquitos In the First Place

The most crucial step is to get rid of standing water. That’s where mosquitoes lay eggs. Even a small puddle or a bucket of water can become a mosquito nursery!

Check inside clogged gutters, birdbaths, toys, planters, and old tires. If you can’t dump out the water, you can treat it with special products that kill baby mosquitoes—just make sure it’s allowed in your state. Always read the label and wear protective gear like long sleeves, pants, gloves, and maybe even goggles or a mask, depending on the product.

Another trick? Use fans! Mosquitoes aren’t great flyers, so air from a fan can help blow them away from where people are sitting. This works just like the air curtains you feel when you walk into a store.

Some smells that keep mosquitoes away are citronella, thyme, clove, catnip, cinnamon, and geraniol.

How Professionals Get Rid of Mosquitos

If you’re unsure about doing it yourself, it’s a good idea to call a professional. They have the training and tools to do it safely and effectively. Professionals treat places where mosquitoes hide during the day, like under decks, in bushes, or in shady spots. They may use sprays that are either natural or synthetic, depending on what’s needed.

Viking Pest Control offers Last Bite Tick & Mosquito Control Service which creates a protective barrier around your yard during the spring that prevents both mosquitos and ticks. These treatments are repeated monthly from spring through fall to ensure that you get as much comfortable, worry-free outdoor time as possible. Viking also offers Last Bite Green if you are looking for a more natural, low-impact solution to your mosquito problems.

Call to schedule your first Last Bite treatment today!

Furry critters like squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and groundhogs may look cute from afar, but these pests can cause significant trouble if they find their way inside your home. Many types of wildlife will use open vents, holes in the wall, or cracks in the foundation to seek shelter inside your home. If you suspect that you may be playing host to unwelcome animal guests, it's important to take swift action to resolve the issue. Viking Pest's SMART Wildlife Exclusion provides a humane approach to wildlife control that focuses on trapping and removing pests while implementing prevention strategies to keep them from returning.

Why Do I Need Wildlife Management Solutions?

Every homeowner should address the potential dangers of a wildlife infestation through preventative maintenance and pest control services. Wildlife may cause significant property damage, from chewing through walls and electrical wires to structural damage from their burrowing and nesting habits. Some species may even clog your vents in attempts to build their nests.

Wildlife species may carry various diseases, bacteria, and parasites that can transmit to humans and cause illness. Their fur, dander, and droppings can also trigger allergies in some people. If you happen to encounter a live animal in your home, there is the risk of getting bitten or scratched, especially if the animal feels threatened and becomes aggressive.

The threat of an infestion may worsen depending on the season. For example, squirrels typically have litters in early spring and summer. If you don't take action with professional squirrel control, populations can quickly grow and cause more trouble.

What Are the Benefits of Wildlife Exclusion?

Squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and other critters will take advantage of any entry points to get inside your home to access food, water, warmth, and safe shelter to nest. Wildlife exclusion is a safe and humane approach to pest control and begins with an inspection of your property to identify and seal entry points in your basement, attic, and around your home. This wildlife managment strategy includes suggestions to make the environment surrounding your home less appealing to wildlife. Simple measures like keeping pet food indoors or taking it away after feeding time, picking up fallen fruit, harvesting produce from your garden, and securing trash in sealed containers can all help deter unwanted creatures. Physical barriers like mesh fences, screens, and chimney caps are other important aspects of protecting your property.

How Does the SMART System Work?

If you want even greater protection against wildlife, Anticimex SMART is a valuable upgrade to traditional wildlife exclusion services. The SMART system provides 24/7 monitoring of pest activity using innovative, intelligent, and eco-friendly technology.

SMART wildlife exclusion employs a network of strategically placed infrared sensors to track wildlife activity and send alerts to the office so the Viking team knows when to take action. Ongoing service includes periodic inspections, trap relocation if animal activity shifts, and trap emptying.

Get Proactive About Wildlife Management With Safe, Sustainable, and Humane SMART Solutions From Viking Pest

You can ONLY get SMART Wildlife Exclusion from Viking Pest Control in New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Our team uses the latest technology and expertise from decades of experience with the area's wildlife to create a customized solution for your home. Contact us today to get started by requesting your free estimate.

Every year, wood-loving pests wreak havoc on homes and businesses across the Mid-Atlantic. Some chew through wood, while others drill into it to make their nests—causing major headaches and expensive repairs. Among the biggest troublemakers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland? Termites, carpenter ants, old house borers, and, of course, carpenter bees.

Carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica) are often mistaken for bumble bees because they look similar. But unlike bumble bees, these guys don’t live in hives. Instead, they burrow into wood to make their homes. If you’ve spotted them buzzing around your property, don’t wait—Viking Pest Control can take care of the problem fast and effectively.

What Are Carpenter Bees Up To?

It’s easy to confuse carpenter bees with bumble bees, especially when they’re hovering near your wooden decks, fences, or eaves. But here’s the thing—carpenter bees don’t eat wood. Instead, they tunnel into it to create cozy little nurseries for their young.

They prefer untreated or unpainted wood, which means they often target decks, fences, railings, eaves, shingles, and even wooden patio furniture. Their nests start with a neat, round hole (about half an inch wide) before they dig tunnels inside, sometimes expanding old ones year after year.

During winter, these bees hunker down inside their tunnels until spring arrives and it’s time to mate. The females lay eggs and leave a stash of pollen and nectar for their babies to munch on. By late summer, new adult carpenter bees emerge, ready to start the cycle all over again.

Will Carpenter Bees Sting?

If you’ve ever had a carpenter bee buzz a little too close for comfort, you’re not alone. Males can be pretty bold, hovering in your face as if they own the place. But here’s the kicker—male carpenter bees can’t sting. Only females have stingers, and they usually won’t use them unless they feel truly threatened.

The sting itself is painful but generally mild unless you have an allergy. While they’re not the most dangerous pests, their wood-boring habits can lead to structural damage over time—making them more of a nuisance than anything.

How to Keep Carpenter Bees Away

Want to stop carpenter bees before they turn your deck into a drilling site? Here are some simple ways to keep them from moving in:

• Seal up cracks and crevices in wooden surfaces with caulk or another sealant.
• Paint or stain untreated wood—carpenter bees prefer bare wood!
• Clear away unnecessary wood debris like fallen branches or logs.

While these DIY tricks can help, they might not be enough if carpenter bees have already settled in. That’s when it’s time to call in the pros.

The Best Way to Get Rid of Carpenter Bees

Seeing carpenter bees buzzing around your home or business? The fastest, most effective way to get rid of them is with professional pest control. At Viking Pest Control, our expert team knows exactly how to handle carpenter bees, using safe, state-of-the-art methods to protect your property.

With years of experience dealing with carpenter bees and other stinging insects, Viking Pest Control offers long-lasting solutions to keep your home or business bee-free. We use advanced equipment and eco-friendly treatments to get the job done right.

If carpenter bees are causing trouble in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or Maryland, Viking Pest Control has your back. Give us a call today, and let’s take care of the problem for you!

Ants come in many different sizes. Some are borderline microscopic, some are as big as an inch and a half long. That said, the biggest ant in one part of the world might be a different species than the biggest ant in another. In the mid-Atlantic states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, the most notorious big ant is the carpenter ant, and while it might not be the most threatening of big ants, it can be the most damaging to your home and wallet.

The Risk of a Carpenter Ant Infestation

Ants are rarely welcome guests in peoples’ homes, but those big, wood-shredding carpenter ants should be evicted extra-quickly. In their natural environment, Carpenter Ants can be helpful creatures. They break down dead wood from injured and dead trees and put them to more productive use, enriching soil and allowing new life to grow. Unfortunately, most homes are built out of dead wood, which makes carpenter ants anything but helpful during an infestation. The damage they do can be extensive, expensive and is generally not covered by homeowners’ insurance.

Characteristics of Carpenter Ants

So how do you know if the big ants you’re seeing in your home are carpenter ants? Not all big ants in our area are carpenter ants are big, but very few non-Carpenter species are likely to enter your house. Carpenter ants like houses more than the average ant by quite a lot. Second sign that you have a carpenter ant is the presence of frass- the piles of accumulated chewed up wood that can look like a pile of saw dust. You should also check the trees in your yard. Carpenter ants are often found climbing up and account trees, especially trees that are injured or dead as they build their homes into lifeless wood. If there are Carpenter Ants in your yard, they have an excellent chance of finding their way over to your home.

Carpenter ants, like most creatures, prefer the easy route when it comes to building their homes. Instead of working harder than necessary, they look for soft, damaged wood that’s already started to break down—like a tree that’s been weakened by water. The moisture makes the wood easier to carve out and provides the perfect humid environment for their colony to thrive.

Unfortunately, the same thing happens in homes. Areas with water damage—like doorframes, window frames, porch columns, and roof decking—become prime real estate for carpenter ants. They’re also drawn to dark, hidden spaces with little airflow, making certain parts of your home an ideal spot for them to settle in.

Most infestations actually start outside, often in trees that have been quietly housing carpenter ants for years. But as space in the tree gets tight, they expand, forming satellite colonies—sometimes inside homes. In many cases, homeowners don’t even realize there’s a problem until the ants have already moved in.

That’s why keeping an eye on the trees in your yard is so important! Catching an infestation early can save you from the much bigger (and more expensive) headache of dealing with carpenter ants inside your home later on.

Contact Viking Pest Control for Comprehensive Carpenter Ant Extermination and General Pest Control

Dealing with a carpenter ant infestation? This is definitely a job best left to the pros. These ants can nest in so many different places that trying to find and eliminate them all on your own can feel like an impossible task.

Pest control experts have specialized tools to tackle the problem effectively. They use dust applicators to reach deep into hidden voids, ultra-low volume machines to inject pesticide into tiny gaps, and even tools like drills and moisture meters to track down hard-to-find nests. And here’s the kicker—there’s often more than one nest in a single home!

If the ants are coming from outside, treatments like residual sprays around the foundation can help keep them from getting in. But if their main colony is in a tree nearby, just spraying your home’s exterior might only buy you some time before they find another way inside.

Bottom line? If you’re dealing with carpenter ants, bringing in a professional carpenter ant exterminator from Viking Pest can save you a lot of time, frustration, and potential damage in the long run.

Ticks are small, blood-feeding arachnids that pose a significant risk to both people and pets. These wingless pests have oval-shaped bodies, eight legs, and typically range from 1/16 to 1/4 inch long. After feeding, their bodies expand considerably. In New Jersey, the most common tick species include the blacklegged tick (also known as the deer tick), the lone star tick, and the American dog tick.

Concerned about ticks in your yard? Your best move is to call in a local expert. Viking Pest Control offers professional tick inspections and customized treatment plans to help eliminate existing tick populations and prevent them from coming back.

The Life Cycle of Ticks in New Jersey

Ticks in New Jersey typically lay eggs during the spring. After hatching, they progress through larval and nymph stages before reaching adulthood. This development process often takes two to three years, and ticks require a host at each stage to survive and mature.

While many ticks die off in freezing weather, others survive the winter by burrowing into leaf litter, hiding in thick brush, or latching onto a warm-blooded host.

Tick-Borne Diseases: A Growing Concern

Ticks are most active during the warmer months—spring, summer, and early fall. They wait in tall grass, overgrown vegetation, or wooded areas for a potential host to pass by. Tick bites are often painless, but the diseases they carry can be serious. Some of the tick-borne illnesses found in New Jersey include:

• Lyme disease
• Anaplasmosis
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Tularemia

If you find a tick on your skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upward firmly. Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or placing it in alcohol before discarding. Clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

When should you worry about a tick bite?
Watch for signs such as fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, or a rash. If you experience any symptoms, especially after a recent tick bite, consult a healthcare professional right away.

How to Make Your Yard Less Attractive to Ticks

New Jersey homeowners can take a few proactive steps to reduce tick activity around their property:

• Keep lawns trimmed and eliminate overgrown brush or tall weeds.
• Create a barrier between wooded areas and your lawn using gravel, stone, or mulch.
• Make sure pets are on a veterinarian-recommended flea and tick prevention plan.

While DIY tick sprays and yard treatments are widely available, they often fall short. Professional intervention is usually the most effective route.

Why Choose Viking Pest Control for Tick Prevention

Looking for the best way to get rid of ticks in your New Jersey home or yard? Once they find their way inside, ticks can be extremely difficult to eliminate. Viking Pest Control's Last Bite Mosquito & Tick service offers expert tick control solutions tailored to your property. Last Bite Green is also available for those looking for a more eco-friendly solution.

Our tick treatments include the use of a backpack misting system that targets tick hotspots in lawn, garden, and wooded areas with a powerful yet family- and pet-safe formula.

Don't let ticks take over your yard—contact Viking Pest Control today for professional tick control services in New Jersey.

Why Flying Termites Around Your Home Shouldn’t Be Ignored

You’re enjoying a warm evening when you notice a few winged insects fluttering near your porch light. At first glance, they might look like flying ants—but if they’re flying termites, your home could be at risk. These seemingly harmless insects may be the first visible warning of a much larger problem lurking out of sight.

Let’s break down what flying termites really mean for your property—and why quick action matters.

Flying Termites: What Are They, Really?

Flying termites, or “swarmers,” are not your average nuisance pest. They’re the reproductive members of a mature termite colony, taking flight to find new places to establish nests. Their presence often means one thing: a nearby colony is thriving—and it’s big enough to send out scouts.

Unlike workers or soldiers, swarmers aren’t here to chew through your walls (yet), but they signal that a colony may already be doing that underground or inside your structure.

When (And Why) Flying Termites Show Up

Swarmers typically appear during the spring and summer months, especially after a good rain and when the humidity is high. They’re most active at dusk or in the evening when conditions are perfect for travel.

But here's the catch: even if the swarmers don’t manage to start a new colony immediately, their flight means termites are active in the area—including inside your home. Termites don’t move far from their original nests, so if you’re seeing flyers, the source isn’t far away.

Seeing Flying Termites Doesn’t Always Mean Infestation—But It’s a Big Red Flag

Spotting flying termites doesn’t necessarily mean your home is already infested—but it’s definitely a red flag.

Swarmers often shed their wings soon after landing. If you notice piles of discarded wings around windowsills, doorways, or on the ground, that’s a sign they’ve arrived—and may have already found a place to settle.

Keep an eye out for these other termite warning signs:

• Mud tubes along walls or foundations
• Bubbling or uneven paint
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
• Dark, blistered, or sagging wood surfaces
• Discarded wings indoors or near entry points

Even one of these symptoms should prompt a professional inspection.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Act

Termites are notorious for staying hidden while causing thousands of dollars in damage. In fact, most homeowners don’t realize they have a termite problem until significant structural issues arise.

A new colony might take years to grow, but once established, it can cause severe and expensive damage behind walls, under floors, and around your home’s foundation. By the time signs are obvious, the repair costs can be massive.

Professional Termite Protection: Your Best Defense

At Viking Pest Control, we understand how termites operate—and more importantly, how to stop them. Our licensed technicians use advanced technology and proven treatment methods to detect and eliminate termite colonies before they cause costly damage.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A thorough inspection of your home and surrounding property
• Identification of termite species and high-risk areas
• A customized treatment plan using industry-leading baiting and prevention systems

Whether you're seeing flying termites now or just want peace of mind, professional protection is the smart choice. Don’t leave your biggest investment vulnerable.

Think You’ve Seen Flying Termites? Let’s Take a Look.

If you're noticing flying termites or signs of potential activity, don't wait for the problem to grow. Our team at Viking Pest Control is ready to help protect your property with fast, effective, and affordable termite solutions. 

Termite protection is available by itself or as part of our more comprehensive SMART Premier, Green Plus and Green Premier Plans. Schedule your termite inspection today and let us help you stay one step ahead of the silent destroyers.

At Viking Pest Control, our mission is to keep your home and family safe—not just from pests, but from the diseases they may carry. One of the more serious illnesses associated with rodents in the United States is Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a potentially fatal respiratory disease.

What Is Hantavirus?

Hantavirus is a group of viruses within the Bunyaviridae family. The strains found in the U.S. are most commonly associated with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Who’s Carrying It?

The primary carriers of Hantavirus in our region are deer mice. It has also been found in white-footed mice, cotton rats, and occasionally Norway rats, although the latter are not typically considered significant disease vectors for Hantavirus.

How Does It Spread?

Hantavirus is mainly transmitted through contact with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents. The virus becomes airborne when these materials are disturbed—such as when sweeping or vacuuming without proper filtration. While rare, bites or scratches from infected rodents can also spread the virus.

Important reminder: Never attempt to handle wild rodents or their nests. Not only does this increase your risk of exposure to Hantavirus, but it also opens the door to other diseases spread by fleas, mites, and parasites.

Know the Symptoms

Hantavirus symptoms can take anywhere from 1 to 8 weeks to appear after exposure. Early signs often resemble the flu:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain

As the virus progresses, symptoms can become much more severe, including:

• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest
• A dry, hacking cough

These respiratory symptoms are serious and can be fatal without immediate medical attention.

How to Safely Clean Up After Rodents

If you discover signs of rodent activity in your home, proper cleanup is critical:

1. Never sweep or vacuum droppings, urine, or nests. This can send viral particles into the air.
2. Always wear rubber gloves when handling contaminated areas.
3. Use an EPA-registered disinfectant and let it sit for at least five minutes, or as directed on the label.
4. Use paper towels to wipe up the mess and dispose of them in a sealed garbage can.
5. Mop or sponge the area again with disinfectant to ensure thorough cleaning.
6. Wash gloves and hands with soap and warm water after cleanup.

For large infestations or when rodent nests are found, call Viking Pest Control. Rodent nests can harbor fleas, mites, and other ectoparasites that pose additional health risks.

Prevention is the Best Protection

Keeping rodents out of your home is the most effective way to prevent Hantavirus exposure. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as ¼ inch, so proper exclusion is key.

That’s where Viking’s SMART pest control and Viking Green Pest Solutions come in. Our trained technicians use intelligent pest control systems and eco-friendly exclusion methods to block rodents before they become a problem—without putting your family or pets at risk.

Call Viking Today

If you see signs of rodents or suspect a nest in your home, don’t take any chances. Leave the cleanup and prevention to the professionals.

Call Viking Pest Control today for an inspection and customized rodent prevention plan. Let us help you protect your home—and your health.