What You Need to Know About Heat Thermal Pest Control

Did you know that pest control methods don’t always involve chemicals? Heat Thermal Pest Control is a way to keep the pests at bay by manipulating temperatures to deadly levels for pests. It is an earth-friendly alternative, and can be used in different spaces, from homes, to offices, to other sensitive environments like nursing facilities, medical labs, and hospitals.  There is no need for occupants to move out, or for food and medicine to be bagged. No harm will be caused to your pets either.

Interested? Here is what you need to know about heat thermal pest control:

What is Hot Thermal Pest Control?
Thermal pest control refers to treating pest infestations with either extremely hot or cold temperatures. True to its name, hot thermal pest control is a heat treatment that eliminates common pests. The entire house or area that needs to be cleared is heated to a temperature of 120 – 140 degrees for four to six hours, making it a deadly environment for any unwelcome pest.

Prior to the heat treatment, any equipment or objects that can be damaged by prolonged heat exposure are either removed or covered with specially designed thermal blankets. Then, tarpaulins are placed at the targeted treatment areas. Special machines then deliver hot air to these areas, while a thermal probe measures the temperature of the air to make sure an optimum level of heat is achieved.

What Can Be Killed with Heat?
Heat treatment is often used for pests like bed bugs, cockroaches, drywood termites, scorpions, dust mites, powderpost beetles, rodents, and other wood destroying insects.

Bedbugs and their eggs are eliminated, without any damage to the fabric it is found on. Dust mites that lurk within mattresses, pillows, and sheets can also be dealt with, helping to improve air quality and allowing you to breathe better. Drywood termites and wood boring beetles, which are very damaging to wood structures, can be wiped out as well.

Cockroaches are a common pest found around food sources, which also causes contamination, while rodents often carry diseases. Both of these pests can be controlled through this method.
A little less common is the scorpion, which is dangerous and can cause a nuisance when found in your home. As nocturnal creatures, they are active while you are sleeping. Heat thermal pest control can combat these critters as well.

Drawbacks
However, there are some drawbacks. Hot thermal pest control is not always effective. It is often difficult to heat the building at a high enough heat for an adequate amount of time to kill all the pests, such as bed bugs that hide in mattresses and skirting boards.

On top of that, it can also prove to be an inefficient use of energy, especially if a large area needs to be heated. The equipment used needs to be very precise to avoid overheating the house. In practice, the entire heat treatment process may be more complicated to execute, as it needs to be carried out efficiently and the premises have to be managed well afterwards.

This is especially important because overheating a house can cause structural damage, especially for buildings that are older and more fragile. Wood paneling can buckle, candles can melt, and other objects can be damaged. In general, houses are not made to withstand this kind of intense heat.

Fischer Can Help
At Fischer, we conduct inspections and do direct treatment instead. Don’t know the difference? Contact us today with your questions about the differences and we’ll be happy to set your mind at ease!

5 Tips to Prep Your Lawn for Early Spring

Spring is arriving early this year, with many parts of the country experiencing warm temperatures in February. To make sure your lawn is green and ready to greet the world come Springtime, here are 5 tips to help you get your lawn in tip top condition.

#1 Aerate your soil before doing anything else
Winter often compacts the soil, causing poor conditions for growth. It’s important to create holes in the ground with an aerator, which will allow air and moisture to penetrate into the soil and encourage deep root growth.

#2 As your lawn starts to grow, it’s time to fertilize
As a rule of thumb, only start fertilizing once your lawn is actively growing. This helps to protect the environment. If you’re growing cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and Fescue, it’s especially important to fertilize. The reason is because cool season grasses thrive in cooler weather and don’t grow as well in the hotter temperatures of Summer. The added nutrients ensure that they will be strong enough to endure the heat and continue growing again come Fall.

A well-fertilized lawn can also fend off weeds. Thick and dense turf without any bare spots will minimize the chances of weeds growing. Ample nutrients will encourage strong root growth, helping your grass to grow well and fighting off weeds and pests.

#3 Water your lawn with just the right amount of water
How much is just enough? It’s important for turf grasses to have ample water to grow healthy and strong roots, but too much moisture can also lead to a susceptibility to drought and disease. Try watering about half an inch of water a time. Allow turf to dry before your next watering to prevent fungi and disease, which require excess moisture to spread and thrive.

Not only will adequate watering help to keep your grass healthy, it will also reduce mite damage. During the winter, mites take moisture from the grass, killing off sections of a lawn at a time. This usually happens on parts of the lawn that face south and west, or where sun is reflected onto the yard off of fences, rock walls, and structures. Watering adequately will allow your lawn to grow back evenly without large patches of dead grass. Using mite sprays and watering your lawn during the winter can be a great help in preventing damage later on.

So during early spring, start watering your lawns. Set your sprinkler systems to water about twice a week. Make sure that there isn’t too much water that causes a run-off as run-offs are expensive and damaging to the environment. But at the same time, also make sure that there is enough water so that it penetrates into the soil to reach the roots.

If your lawn is on a sloped surface, try watering it twice within a short interval of time, which allows water the chance to be absorbed instead of simply running off.  This kind of deeper watering encourages deep root growth that is more drought-resistant than shallow roots.

#4 Keep the weeds in check
To prevent weeds from taking root, make sure your grass is growing well. Following the above steps to fertilize and water your turf will ensure robust grass growth, keeping the weeds at bay.

#5 Mow your lawn for healthy regrowth
Once your turf reaches about 3 inches in height, it’s okay to start mowing your lawn. Cut only about a third of the length of a blade of grass with a sharp blade. The sharp blade will help grass to heal faster while losing less water.


A beautiful lawn is yours with just these five simple tips. Call Fischer today if you need support with your lawn care.

Winter Fertilization

A healthy lawn is not something that just grows in a matter of a few days or even a few months. You may have spent the spring and summer working hard to provide your lawn with the conditions that it needs to a achieve great health and a beautiful appearance, but still find that you are somehow coming up short.

It could be that your lawn is not coming in the way that you like, or you might feel like you have made progress, only to find that it seems like you are starting all over again in the next spring. If this sounds familiar, then you might want to think about what you are doing in the winter to set the foundation for a good lawn in the spring.

Looks Can be Deceiving

So you get out there every spring and summer to fertilize the lawn, and you’re taking all of the right steps to produce that nice green grass that is pleasing to the eye. Understandably, you get the impression that you have a lawn that is strong and healthy, but appearances can be deceiving.

While you may have a top growth that is green and healthy, it’s important to consider what is going on beneath the surface. There is more to a healthy lawn than good top growth. For the lawn to be healthy, it needs a strong root system and density to go along with that nice looking top growth.

Care for Grass Roots in the Winter

For many people, the winter is where they fail to provide their lawn with what it needs. You might think that since the lawn is not growing during the winter, that it does not need any special care, but this is where you would be wrong.

While the growth may slow and eventually stop during the winter, the roots are still working beneath the surface. As the temperatures begin to drop, the roots start to absorb nutrients in order to develop a strong root system, and then they use these nutrients that they store away in the winter to help bring the plant out of dormancy in the spring.

This is why the winterizing application of fertilizer is so important. It will provide your lawn’s root system with the nutrients that it needs to sustain the plant in the winter, which helps to get it ready for the spring. With a healthy root system that develops all year round, your lawn will be much more resilient.

Best Time for Winter Fertilizer

The best time to apply winter fertilizer can vary depending on the conditions, but for most lawns, the right time is during the late fall. Around the end of November to the beginning of December, the grass is still green, and the root system is still active. By providing your lawn with fertilizer as it is going into the winter, the root system will have a chance to absorb the nutrients that it will need. This will get it ready for a strong start to the next growing season.

If you want to ensure that your lawn is as a green and as healthy as it can be, then it will require care that runs throughout the year. Our lawn care specialists can develop a program that will ensure the optimal health and appearance for your lawn. Contact us today for a free estimate!

Do you have wildlife scurrying around your home? Maybe you see a raccoon here or a squirrel there? However, the problem is that as the weather gets colder, they will often try and work their way into your house; seeking shelter and food.

While they may seem harmless, these furry creatures can actually be more than just annoying. They can pose some serious risks when sharing space with humans and domestic pets. Surprised? Read on to find out the dangers posed from wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, and squirrels, and what to do to safely remove them from your property.

Raccoons

A raccoon can spread a variety of diseases that could affect your family. Some may require direct contact like a bite or a scratch, but there are others that can spread through indirect contact, so it is important to keep these animals under control. Here are a few common diseases you should know about. 

•      Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that is spread from an infected raccoon’s droppings and urine. Humans can contract the disease if an open cut or wound comes in contact with the raccoon waste. The symptoms include fever, anemia, meningitis, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

•      Rabies: Raccoons can carry the viral infection of rabies which can be fatal for humans.  It is transmitted through a bite or scratch. Look out for signs of rabies in raccoons which include stumbling, frothing at the mouth, acting violent, and lacking fear of humans.

•      Raccoon Roundworm: Roundworm eggs can be found in the feces of raccoons and can be passed to humans through inhalation. They attack the central nervous system and can cause tiredness, loss of vision, lack of coordination, coma, and death.

•      Salmonella: Raccoons can carry this bacteria which is spread from their feces. When humans are infected, they will experience high fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Opossums

An opossum is another animal that you are likely to see around the homes of you and your neighbors. For the most part, these animals will try to keep their distance from humans, but sharing the same environment means that close contact does occur. As with many other animals, an opossum can spread disease through biting or scratching, and their urine and feces can contain harmful bacteria that can have serious health consequences for people.

The diseases they can carry and transmit to humans include the same three that raccoons carry Leptospirosis, Rabies and, Salmonella. Additionally, they can transmit diseases to your domestic pets including the following:

•      Tularemia: This is a disease that can cause ulcers, glandular issues and respiratory problems.

•      Coccidiosis: Transmitted by feces, this causes diarrhea.

Squirrels

Since they are not aggressive and they avoid human contact, few people see squirrels as a threat. However, they do also present some risks. They can carry and transmit Leptospirosis, Rabies, Salmonella, Tularemia, and Lyme Disease.

•      Lyme Disease: This is spread by ticks which squirrels carry. The symptoms include inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, stiffness, and nerve pain.

Call Fischer for Safe and Thorough Wildlife Control

For safe, effective, and humane wildlife control, contact Fischer Environmental. We have more than 60 years of experience in the pest control industry, and we can provide solutions for any wildlife problem that you may be facing.

Our team can come out to assess the situation, remove animals from the home and the property, and take steps to prevent the infection of disease. If you have animals that are coming into the home, we can also take steps that will keep the animals out once they are removed.

At Fischer Environmental, we appreciate the wildlife that lives in the Louisiana area, but we also understand the need to keep these animals from spreading diseases to humans. If you believe that some of these animals are a risk to your home and family, don’t try to handle the situation yourself, play it safe and contact our experienced professionals today.

Tips for Keeping Pests Out of your Home During Winter

As the weather starts to cool, you may be noticing a few more pests  inside your home. Just like you, they want to find a warm spot away from the cold. However, they are annoying at best and a damage-wreaking, health hazard at worst. Here are a few tips to help you keep them out.

Seal Openings to the Home

One of the first steps in protecting your home against pests is to exclude them from the structure. Now, there is no way to make your house 100% pest proof – pests do have a way of finding a way in – but there are some things that you can do to help.

•      Entryways: Inspect all of the doors in your home to make sure that they are properly sealed. Check for damaged or worn weather stripping, and look to see if there are any gaps that need to be caulked.

•      Windows: Inspect all of your windows and screens. If the screens have holes or don’t fit well, get them repaired. If there are gaps or cracks around the frame, then you may want to consider caulking.

•      Foundation: Look for small cracks around the foundation or spaces where the foundation meets the home. If you find any, seal them up.

•      Attic: Check the attic vent to make sure that it is secure and undamaged. If it is loose, then you need to tighten it. If it is broken, it needs to be replaced.

Dry Out Wet Areas

Next, pests need water to survive, and as the winter approaches, they are going to be looking for a good source. You don't want them relying on your home for water all winter so dry out wet areas using these tactics.

•      Fix Leaks: If you have any leaky pipes or dripping faucets, get them repaired.

•      Remove Standing Water: Don’t leave glasses of water around or water standing in sinks/showers/toilets. Dry them out and keep toilet lids closed.

•      Roof: A leaky roof can be another water supply, check to ensure you don’t have any wet spots.

•      Dehumidify: If the air in your basement has a lot of moisture, this can condense and provide water to pests. Get a dehumidifier and remove the moisture from the air.

Eliminate Attractive Habitats

Another key step in keeping pests out of the home in the winter is to eliminate potential pest habitats. If their outdoor habitat is far from the home, then they are much less likely to try to come in when the weather turns cold. Here are some tips:

•      Move Debris: If you have something like a pile of bricks or a woodpile near the house, move it away from the structure.

•      Trash Cans: Keep your trash cans sealed and move them away from your house.

•      Gutters: Clean all of the leaves and debris from your gutters. You also want to make sure that the downspouts are channeling the water away from the structure.

•      Mulch: If you have mulch in the yard, move it so that it is not resting against the home.

•      Plants: If you have bushes or plants outside the home, try to move them away from the structure.

Call Fischer For Professional Advice

If you have concerns about pest control this winter, the team from Fischer Environmental can help. We can provide your home with effective pest control solutions that will keep the pests out.  If they are already in your home, we can thoroughly remove the problem. From ants and termites to rodents and even snakes, we have the knowledge and experience to keep your home pest-free. Contact us today for a free inspection.

When rats and mice come into the home, they can cause some serious problems. They can get into your food, damage your property, and subject you to different diseases. Not exactly a welcomed house guest!

You may think you keep your home clean, so you will never get infested, but it doesn’t matter how clean you are, rodents will come into any home they can get access to. The bad news is once they are in, they begin to multiply rapidly. In order to prevent your home from being infested, here are signs to look out for, causes of infestations, and how you can prevent them.

Signs of Rats and Mice

•      Droppings

•      Gnaw marks on wood

•      Chewed food packaging

•      Rustling noises in the walls

Of course, there is the possibility that you may actually see one of the rodents in the house, but they tend to work at night. They could be there for a while before you ever see them.

Causes of Infestation

When the weather gets colder, rodents look for a place they can nestle in, stay warm, and grow their family. Even better if that place has a source of food! Unfortunately, human homes offer both of those things. The main factor that allows for an infestation is open access.

Rats and mice can come into your house through small cracks and gaps in the exterior of the home, drainpipes, and windows and doors. They are quite clever and can squeeze through spaces that appear to be much smaller than their body size.

Prevention

While rats and mice can be good at finding their way into the home, there are steps that can be taken to prevent an infestation or to eliminate one once they have arrived.

Close Up Any Openings

Inspect around your house for any cracks or openings and seal them all up, even if they are small. Be mindful of leaving doors or windows open. Ensure all of your screens are in good condition without rips or tears.

Snap Traps

These are the conventional spring traps that every person associates with the word “mousetrap.” You bait the trap with some food, and it uses a steel bar that comes down to kill the rat or mouse when they trigger the spring.

Glue Traps

With these traps, you basically have a piece of board or a tray that has an adhesive substance on it. When the rodent walks on the board, it gets stuck and eventually dies from hunger or thirst. These traps can be effective, but many people do not use them because they are inhumane.

Live Traps

The live traps catch the rodent in a cage, and you can release it later. It is a good option because it does not harm the animal. You just need to make sure to release it far enough from the home so that it does not return.

Poison

You also have the option to use rodent poison. If the mouse or rat eats enough, it will spend the next few days dying from internal bleeding. Along with being inhumane, another potential downside is that one of the rodents may go into the wall before they die, and the smell of a dead rat in your wall is sure to be unpleasant.

Electronic

An electronic mousetrap works by delivering a shock to the rodent that stops its heart. They are effective and easy to use, but they can be expensive.

Sonic

These are devices that emit a high-frequency sound that will irritate rats and mice. The sound has no effect on humans and it is also safe for animals like cats and dogs. While they can work to provide a less inviting atmosphere, studies have found that these devices are not as effective as the manufacturers claim.

Professional Rodent Control

If you aren’t sure how to handle a rodent problem and would rather call in a professional, Fischer  Environmental Pest Control can help. We are very experienced with treating mice and rat infestations in a humane and thorough way. Contact us today to learn more! 

The Essential Winter Lawn Care Guide

Just because the winter season is upon us, doesn't mean that you can stop taking care of your lawn. The cold weather and snow might cause your yard to go dormant, but in order for it to be the lavish property you are picturing come spring, you have to follow the right steps. Take a look at our Essential Winter Lawn Care Guide to fully understand what it takes to take care of your lawn after summer.

Prepare in Fall 
To reduce and possibly eliminate the amount of work you have to do over the winter, you should start preparing in the fall. Then, when spring arrives, the hard work will be done.

Some of the fall preparations include aerating, fertilizing, and mowing prior to the first freeze. Those pesky leaves should also be cleared away. If they get left on the yard, mold or moss can form underneath them. You need to keep the property clear of debris after you pick it up that final time. Make sure to tell everyone else in your household to do the same.



Overseeding to Stay Green
Keeping the grass green all winter long is possible with overseeding if you are located in a place where you can grow warm season grasses. Use a perennial or annual ryegrass before the first frost of the season.

Spot Treat Weeds
Having only a few weeds is a good thing. You can simply spot treat them with an herbicide weed killer. Just make sure it is one that is safe for the grass.

Mow to Control More Weeds
Living in an area that doesn't get snowfall leaves you with an advantage. You can continue mowing your lawn all year long, even if it goes dormant. This is a great way to control the weeds that are left over. The repeat mowing is tough for the weeds to live through, and many times they will die off after a few passes.

Stay Off Frozen Lawns
Make sure that people aren't using your frozen lawn as a walkway as walking across the grass can do some serious damage. In addition, keep all vehicles, trailers, and other large objects off the grass until the soil firms back up in the spring.

Rake Leftover Leaves Carefully
If after the first frost, there are still leaves on your lawn, you need to get them off. Make sure that you do so carefully. The lawn is going to be soft and possibly damp which means that the grass is going to lift off easily with a rake. Gently gather the debris to keep it from killing the grass underneath.

Repair Any Ruts
The cold winter weather will bring around rodents looking for a place to nest. If your grass is long, they will use it as a type of protection from the elements. As a result, you will end up with ruts in your yard. After the final snow or freeze, you will have to fill them with soil and cover them with grass seed.

Keep Glass Cleared of Debris
Continue to remove fallen branches, leaves, and other debris throughout the course of the winter. The weight of the object, no matter how small, can cause the grass beneath it to die.

We want you to have the best lawn on the block. Contact us today to take care of the lawn maintenance so that you don't have to.