Pest Control & Exterminator Services
in Wilmington, MA

Residential & Commercial Pest Control Issues in Massachusetts

The second biggest city near Boston, Lowell, MA, is home to many people and several thriving industries. The nearby Merrimack and Concord rivers make the city and neighboring Wilmington, Massachusetts, popular spots to live and work. These same features also create the perfect environment for pests.

Large populations in Lowell and nearby Fall River, Massachusetts, create the need for plenty of grocery stores and restaurants, which also result in an abundance of trash, drawing pests. Ample food sources in places with plentiful water, like Weymouth, MA, provide ideal conditions for many insects and rodents. Their presence can cause issues for both residents and business owners.

Common Problem Pests in Massachusetts

Massachusetts renters, homeowners, and businesses in the Lowell area should be on the lookout for frequent invaders, such as:

• Rats - Rats are strong climbers that can find their way indoors through cracks and holes as small as half an inch. They hide in cluttered areas and may damage items by chewing or contaminating them with droppings and urine. These rodents can survive on as little as one ounce of food per day, which they often get from garbage or pet dishes.
• Ants - Carpenter and pavement ants also call New England states like Massachusetts their homes. Carpenter ants weaken structures by burrowing into wood. Pavement ants live in the ground and get inside through tiny cracks. They often invade pantries and cupboards in search of meat, pet food, and sweets.
• Termites - After coming in through spots where wood meets the soil, termites feast on things like framing, beams, paper, and cotton. Over time, this pest can cause damage to buildings that would require expensive repairs.
• Cockroaches - These pests can spread diseases wherever they crawl or poop. You may find them hiding beneath appliances, near sinks or floor drains, and in storage areas. They pollute food with waste and can also destroy books by eating the glue used in the binding.

Mosquitoes and Health Hazards

Another insect, the mosquito, can pose serious health risks in Lowell and surrounding communities. Massachusetts has over 50 different kinds of mosquitoes. They prefer to live in wet, shady places. Sometimes they fly into buildings to stay out of the sun. Females bite and suck blood, which they then use for the necessary proteins to lay eggs.

Their bites cause uncomfortable, itchy bumps on the skin. Some types of mosquitoes that target birds, humans, and other animals can also spread germs and diseases. The bacteria and viruses they transmit can make pets and people seriously ill. Two of the most common diseases linked to mosquitoes in Massachusetts are West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

Why Pests Are Bad for Business

Insect and rodent problems may lead to lost income for companies around Lowell, MA. They can ruin the food at restaurants and supermarkets when they gnaw through products or soil them with their waste. This might cause illness in patrons and employees who handle or eat those products.

In addition to the health risks, nuisances like rats and cockroaches in Lowell could scare away tourists and customers from local establishments or parks. Concerned parents may also remove their children from schools or daycare if they have visible pests.

Managers, business owners, and Lowell residents should frequently inspect buildings for these signs:

• Chewing or Rub Marks - Rats will chew on packaging, drywall, and even doors when searching for food or trying to get inside. The oils from their fur also leave behind greasy streaks along walls and baseboards.
• Swarms - Some insects move around in large groups. You might see several mosquitoes flying near water in barrels, pools, or ponds. Ants and termites also gather where they live, feed, and nest. Check sidewalks, around foundations, in kitchens, and by garbage bins for swarms.
• Droppings - Pests like cockroaches and rodents deposit waste in the locations they frequent. Look behind and under appliances, in corners, and on walls for black specks or oval-shaped droppings.
• Frass - As carpenter ants and termites tunnel through wood, they excrete sawdust- or pellet-like material called frass. Seeing small piles of this material is often a sign of an infestation.

Fixing and Preventing Issues

The best way to avoid problems in your Lowell home or business is to keep pests from getting indoors and reduce their access to food and water. Start by filling in holes and gaps on exteriors, around pipes, and at entrances. Replace damaged screens and create a barrier between wood and soil. When not in use, keep overhead doors in garages and warehouses closed.

You should also drain areas where water can collect, like buckets, clogged gutters, and birdbaths. Repair leaky plumbing fixtures as well, since these can draw pests. Store dry goods in containers that seal well and clean spills or crumbs right away. Don't allow dirty dishes to pile up and wipe down surfaces frequently to eliminate potential food sources.

If you already have an infestation, contact Waltham Pest Services. A team of trained professionals will assess your needs and come up with a solution. We will also help make a plan to protect your company or family from future problems so you can focus on running your business or enjoying time at home.