Pestfree365 with Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating

Ants collecting by water in San Juan PR - Rentokil, formerly Oliver ExterminatingThere’s a reason that Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating, has been Puerto Rico’s leader in pest control since 1956. Beyond our commitment to staying ahead of the curve in technology, practice, and environmental sensitivity, we also commit to keeping our patrons pest-free all year long. Our Pestfree365 program is a hit among our most loyal customers. Covering dozens of types of pests around San Juan PR, our technicians have an answer for your infestation. Read on to learn more about our services!

What Kinds of Pests in San Juan Are Covered?

Unfortunately, our climate creates perfect breeding grounds and feeding situations for all sorts of regional pests. With many insects and arachnids’ ability to proliferate quickly and spread their populations wide, it’s crucial to stay on top of DIY pest prevention if you aren’t covered routinely by professional exterminators. If you sign up for Pestfree365, the technicians at Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating, will be able to handle these pests for you:

What Can You Expect from Pestfree365?

We’ve talked to a few members of our Pestfree365 program about their hesitance to sign up for a year-round prevention program. While this is understandable, this perspective often comes from people who haven’t had to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars repairing damage caused by termites, rodents, and more pests that thrive around San Juan PR. Here are a few of the benefits that you will receive after signing up for Pestfree365:

  1. Limitless service calls: Whenever you’re dealing with a pest problem, no matter how big or small, we will be out to help you. Even if you fear for an upcoming pest season, we can come out to your property to help you prepare your home or business properly!
  2. No contract: You are not paying in advance for a year-long, non-refundable service. We have to continue to earn your business with top-tier work and professionalism with every visit.
  3. Professionalism: Speaking of top-tier, every one of the technicians serving your property will be licensed, certified, and trained to the highest standards of the pest control industry.
  4. Termite and bed bug protection: Some pest control companies avoid dealing with these two pests for the simple fact of how difficult they can be to control. We don’t back down from these destructive insects! You’ll receive an annual termite inspection (WDI report) and any necessary bed bug removal treatments.

Year-Round Pest Control in San Juan

If you’re looking to maintain a pristine property free of pests, your best bet is to work with your local pest experts at Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating. Our Pestfree365 service is the best in the business for prevention, exclusion, and control of almost 40 local pest species. Contact us today for a free quote!

Top Tips for a Pest-Free Kitchen

Cockroaches in the kitchen in San Juan PR - Rentokil, formerly Oliver ExterminatingIt’s no wonder that our kitchens in San Juan PR always seem to attract pest problems. A kitchen holds all of the necessities that bugs and rodents need—there’s plentiful food, access to water or moisture, dark and secluded places to hide, and sometimes even easy access back outdoors.

Are you looking to find ways to pest-proof your kitchen? Read on for advice from our team at Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating! We’ve put together some information on the reasons for kitchen pest infestations and tips for preventing them.

Why You Might Have Bugs in the Kitchen

There are a number of reasons why bugs or rodents might be in your kitchen. Depending on how they found their way in and what they’re looking for, some pests can stick around for months or even years without you ever noticing that they’re there. These are the top three things that pests are looking for in your kitchen:

  • Food: Whether it be from spilled food, unsealed food products, or dirty dishes, pests can find a source of nourishment almost anywhere in your kitchen.
  • Water: Water that pools up due to leaks under your cupboards or compounds around your sink and counters can create an easily accessible source of hydration for all sorts of thirsty pests.
  • Shelter: With cluttered shelters, dark pantries, and damp cupboards as options, pests have bountiful hiding spaces in most kitchens.

5 Ways to Prevent Pests in the Kitchen

Preventing pests in the kitchen means staying diligent about keeping clean. Here are the top five ways to keep pest infestations from starting in your kitchen:

  1. Clean up spills and wash your dishes when you’re done with your meals.
  2. Keep moisture from building up by sealing any leaky pipes, unclogging any backed up drains, and running your garbage disposal often.
  3. Take out your trash often and use bins with sealing lids if you can.
  4. Check the expiration dates on goods that you purchase at the grocery store. Additionally, check your pantry and refrigerator routinely to make sure that nothing has expired.
  5. Close gaps by your windows and doors by using screens and door sweeps.

Professional Help with Kitchen Pests in San Juan

Are you struggling to keep pests out of your kitchen, even after following all of our advice? Sometimes, the problem is bigger than you can control or invisible to the untrained eye. Our professional pest control technicians at Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating, have years of training and experience in dealing with pests in our customers’ kitchens. We can get rid of all active pests and make sure that new infestations don’t start up again. Contact us today for a free quote!

Why Are Rodents Considered Pests?

Mouse in Puerto Rico home - Rentokil formerly Oliver Exterminating

The rodent family includes more than just your typical rats and mice—it also includes squirrels, chipmunks, beavers, and more. Some people even own rats and mice as pets. So what makes rats and mice some of the most feared types of pests in the first place? Rodents are considered pests due to the dangers they pose for homes and businesses. With Rodent Awareness Week around the corner here in Puerto Rico, the experts at Rentokil formerly Oliver Exterminating are determined to help our communities understand the potential threats of a rodent infestation this fall and winter. Keep reading to learn more!

Do You Need Pest Control For Rodents?

While many people have pets that are rats and mice, rodent infestations can be dangerous for several reasons. For one, wild rodents can carry and spread many germs and diseases that can lead to contamination and illness. When rodents infest your home, their population can quickly increase and they can create a real mess inside your home or business with their droppings and nesting.

In addition to the mess, rodents can chew on electric wires, which can become a fire hazard. Needless to say, a rodent problem can become a hazard in your home, making it important to enlist the help of a pest control expert.

Dangers of Rats and Mice

One of the main threats of a rodent problem is their ability to chew their way through your home, making quite a mess in their path. Their droppings, in particular, can be very hazardous. In addition to making a mess inside your home, rodents are infamous for spreading disease. Some of the most notable diseases they are capable of spreading include:

  • Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
  • Leptospirosis or Weil’s Disease
  • Rat-bite fever
  • Salmonellosis
  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM)
  • Plague

Rodent Season in Puerto Rico

Rodents are one of the most common pest problems for homes and businesses in Puerto Rico. If you are worried about the potential dangers of these pests in your property, contact the experts at Rentokil today! Our rodent exterminators will work to keep you safe from rats and mice all year long.

Risks That Rodents Pose to Your Home in Puerto Rico

A rat in San Juan PR - Rentokil, formerly Oliver ExterminatingRodents are one of the most feared nuisance pest problems in San Juan PR. Not only are they nasty and unsettling to have on your property, they can also cause damage to your home and carry diseases and filth with them wherever they go.

There are many options out there for DIY vermin control, but none of these come with the guarantee of effectiveness that professional rodent removal experts can bring to the table. If you’re worried that you’ve heard vermin in your walls or found rodent droppings, you could be at risk of more serious problems. Read on to learn from the technicians at Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating.

What Kinds of Rodents Live in San Juan PR?

The main types of rodents that cause us problems here in San Juan are rodents and mice. These are the species that we typically see:

Rats can be distinguished from mice most easily by their size. Mice also have longer tails in comparison to their bodies. Whichever you’re dealing with, you are liable for property damage, disease, and rapid reproduction and acceleration of your pest pressures.

How Do Rodents Affect Humans?

Having rodents in your home comes with several risks:

  1. Droppings and urine: These can stain and blemish the floors and carpets in your home, and worse, pass on diseases like Hantavirus when you try to clean them up.
  2. Bites and scratches: Trying to catch a mouse or rat on your own can result in bites and scratches. You have to be careful, because some rodents carry diseases like rabies.
  3. Property damage: Rodents love to chew through furniture, structural appliances, wiring, insulation, and more in order to build their nests.
  4. Fire hazards: When rodents chew through your electrical wiring, it can cause a fire hazard. Make sure to attend to any torn wires right away.

Vermin Control in San Juan PR

As you can see, trying to deal with rodents on your own is quite dangerous, and it can also be very difficult to try to get rid of them yourself. Your best option is to work with your local pest control company to get rid of rodents on your property. At Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating, we use humane rodent removal techniques whenever possible, but in any case, we promise to deliver the most effective vermin removal service in San Juan. We will also teach you ways to prevent rodent infestations from ever happening on your property again. For a free quote, contact us today!

Ways to Stop Inviting Pests Into Your Home in Puerto Rico

Ways to stop inviting pests to your home in Puerto Rico - Rentokil formerly Oliver ExterminatingThere’s really nothing more frustrating than having a pest control issue but not knowing where the pests are coming into your home from. The truth is that pests need a few simple ingredients to thrive. Shelter, food, warmth, and water are right at the top of the list.

With pests being such a common problem in Puerto Rico, it’s crucial to learn how to prevent infestations. Learn how with tips from Rentokil formerly Oliver Exterminating!

Signs of Pest Problems

Unfortunately, many Puerto Rican households sometimes forget to drain their sinks or bathtubs after using them or leave food around for pests like mice, ants, and cockroaches to feast on. Decanting birdbaths or small kiddie pools to prevent mosquitoes is simple enough but too many homeowners wait until it’s too late. Signs that pests have already made it into your home include droppings, noises in the walls or along your floorboards, chewed wrappers or wiring, a musky smell in the basement, or damaged wood. Seeing any of these signs of pests warrants a call to your local exterminators.

Tips to Reduce Pests in Your Home

Fortunately, there are DIY stops that you can take to significantly reduce the chances that pests make inroads into your home or business.

1. Store Food Securely and Keep a Clean Home

  • The easiest step that you can take right now to prevent pests from making your home an oasis is making sure that all of your food is canned, zipped, protected by plastic containers, or unopened in a drawer.
  • Food or morsels of food on the floor or in the carpet can make it far too easy for mice and other pests to snatch up. If you’re unsure if your kitchen floor is totally free of food, then a quick sweep or vacuum should be enough.
  • Your garbage can also be a hotspot for animals who want nothing more than to chow down. Keep a tight lid on your trash to prevent that from happening.

2. Seal Holes and Crevices Around Your Home

  • Next, you’ll want to prevent pests such as snakes or spiders as well as small pests like mice and ants from getting the chance to enter your home in the first place. But how? Caulking your windows and doors is a great prevention method. As it turns out, weatherstripping and caulking are also wonderful ways to conserve your heating efforts and save on your energy expenses this winter season.
  • Small openings along your baseboards are also ways that critters make it into your home through walls or move from room to room. Plugging up any gaps that you find and perhaps adding screens to your windows and doors can be really beneficial.

3. Keep Your Home and Backyard Free of Clutter

  • Pests such as cockroaches and even termites like to hide in dark places. Out of sight is unfortunately out of mind for too many Puerto Rican homeowners.
  • One way to prevent pests from wreaking havoc on your home is to keep your home and backyard free of clutter. This means keeping trees trimmed and woodpiles away from the home.
  • Removing standing water is also a great way to prevent mosquitoes in your yard.

Keep Pests Out Of Your Home For Good

Unfortunately, Puerto Rico is a haven for pests. The only long-term way of ensuring a future free of pests is enlisting the help of professionals to monitor the situation and make pest control visits when necessary.

Rentokil formerly Oliver Exterminating has been trusted since 1956, giving personal and thorough pest control care for residents of Puerto Rico and surrounding areas. We make it our mission to provide the best pest management possible and help you to maintain a pest-free home or work environment. To learn more, contact our residential pest control experts today!

Afraid of Rodents and Bugs? 2021 May Not Be Your Year

Entomologists from Rentokil Provide their Pest Predictions for 2021

READING, Penn. (Jan. 4, 2021) — As if 2020 didn’t present enough challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 could be a banner year for pests around the country.

To help residents prepare for 2021, entomologists from Rentokil used field knowledge and data to provide their predictions for pests in the upcoming year.

1. Rodents, Rodents Everywhere:

With shutdowns across the country, it’s no surprise that rodents are on the rise nationwide. Empty buildings, the scarcity of food and warmer winters have combined to create a rodent apocalypse.

“We’re seeing more rats in urban, suburban and rural settings because of the shutdowns,” said Marc Potzler, Board Certified Entomologist. “Food sources are cut off, and rats are having to travel to scavenge for food. We’ve seen rats out in public during the day, which is highly unusual.”

Warmer winters have also allowed for mice populations to boom in residential areas as it allows for a longer breeding season and there is a lower population loss due to hard freezes.

“Right now is the perfect time to rodent-proof your home,” said Potzler. “Make sure to repair any gaps on the exterior of your home, such as around garage doors, windows or pipes.”

2. Mosquitoes on the Move:

Mosquitoes populations have been increasing over the last few years. Aedes species, which are disease-carrying mosquitoes, are also moving to new areas. These mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Zika virus, among other diseases.

“There is an increase of mosquitoes across the country, but notably on the West Coast, and they are adapting each year,” said Eric Sebring, Associate Certified Entomologist. “We have seen evidence of behavior adaptation, where mosquitoes lay their eggs strategically to hatch throughout the season.”

Protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes by removing any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of water. Also, wear EPA-approved insect repellent while spending time outside.

3. Bed Bugs:

The chatter about bed bugs was quiet in 2020, but that’s not because they have gone away.

“As people begin to travel again, we will start to hear about bed bug infestations,” said Sebring. “Bed bugs can be dormant for several months at a time, so they can emerge when a food source, humans, become available.”

Bed bugs are considered hitchhikers, traveling from place to place on people, luggage, clothing and other personal belongings. Homeowners and businesses such as hotels, colleges, hospitals, senior living facilities, retail stores, and libraries have experienced problems with bed bugs.

If traveling, inspect the bed by pulling back the sheets to examine the mattress. Check your luggage before packing and unpacking, and look for signs of living or dead bugs the size of an apple seed or black fecal smears.

4. More Time Outdoors = More Pests.

From hiking to gardening to dining al fresco, there is no doubt that the pandemic has forced people to spend more time outdoors.

In 2021, we will see the outdoor pest pressures continue:

Ticks: Ticks are responsible for transmitting several diseases, including Lyme disease, to humans and animals. These small insects are found in grassy areas and in the woods, so it is important to inspect yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors. Cover as much skin as possible while outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and tuck pant legs into socks. Light-colored clothing will also help any ticks you pick up stand out.

Ants: “As soon as the weather starts to warm up, we will see an increase in ant populations,” said Tom Dobrinska, Board Certified Entomologist. “Most of the ants we are dealing with are odorous house ants. When spending time outside, make sure to clean up any food, water or sugary substances and ensure that your home is free of any holes or cracks for them to enter.”

Stinging Insects: Stinging insects, such as wasps and yellow jackets, emerge at the first sign of warm weather, and as warm weather seasons are getting longer, stinging insects have more time to create issues. Make sure you check for nests early in the spring as they are smaller and get early nest treatment. Make sure to keep windows and doors shut, and secure outside bins so stinging insects are not attracted to the contents.

5. Termites Aren’t Going Anywhere

Termites are a pesky problem, and unfortunately, are not going anywhere. Termites can cause extensive damage to structures, especially homes. As people are moving out of cities during the pandemic to more suburban areas, education about termite protection is key.

“We received more calls for termites this past year than we have in many years,” said Potzler. “It’s important to raise awareness for homeowners now to have proactive protection to keep from costly repairs in the future.”

6. Pests in the News:

There are a few pests that will continue to steal the limelight in 2021.

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is an invasive pest that has been making its way across the country since it was first introduced from Asia in 2001. Besides its pungent odor, this stink bug has become a nuisance for homeowners as it gathers in large numbers on the sides of houses and buildings and enters through small cracks in the home. “The brown marmorated stink bug is here to stay,” said Dobrinska. “We will continue to see this species emerge in late spring in large numbers.”

The Spotted Lanternfly will continue to wreak havoc across the Northeast and beyond. The invasive pest, first found in Pennsylvania in 2014, is spreading across the Northeast, with New York reporting its first sighting this year. The pest can significantly damage trees and plants.

“The Spotted Lanternfly is becoming a big problem in the Northeast, and it will continue to spread,” said Potzler. “It can be devastating for agriculture and is a nuisance for homeowners.”

The egg masses look like a smear of mud on trees and outside of homes. It’s important to scrape the egg mass off, put it in a bag with rubbing alcohol and throw it away, and then call the state department of agriculture.

The infamous “Murder Hornet,” also known as the Asian giant hornet, grabbed many headlines, causing homeowners to panic trying to decipher the difference between stinging insects in their yards and this aggressive species. The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world, growing up to 3 inches in length. Currently, the Asian giant hornet has only been found in the Pacific Northwest.

“We know that there was one colony found and eliminated in Washington State,” said Sebring. “Unfortunately, if there is one, there will be more.”

While your chances of being stung by an Asian giant hornet are fairly low, the sting can be dangerous as the venom volume is higher, causing more pain. The hives are primarily built underground or in hollows in trees. If you suspect it is an Asian giant hornet or any stinging pests, call your pest management provider to assess the situation as soon as you spot activity.

How Do I Know If I Have Rats or Mice?

Mouse and rat identification in San Juan Puerto Rico - Rentokil Formerly Oliver Exterminating

A rodent problem is any homeowner’s worst nightmare. Visually, it can be somewhat simple to know if there are mice or rats in your property. However, there are other traits and behaviors that make these two rodents quite different from one another. Here at Rentokil formerly Oliver Exterminating, we know a rodent problem can be a pain to deal with. Because both rats and mice can be dangerous, we want to provide all the facts you need to know about these rodents. Keep reading to learn how to differentiate rats and mice by their body size, droppings, diet, and more.

All About Mice

Mice are typically significantly smaller than rats and exhibit some different behaviors. Here’s how to tell them apart:

  1. The house mouse is usually just 2–4 inches long.
  2. Mice have larger ears and a longer tail compared to its body length.
  3. Mice are often gray or brown in color, with a lighter shade or white color on their bellies.
  4. Mice droppings have pointed ends and are just 1–2 mm long.
  5. Most mice feed on fruits, seeds, grains, and occasionally meat.
  6. They produce 5–10 litters a year with up to 14 mice in each litter.

Rat Identification

From the Norway rat to the roof rat, these rodents are known for being larger than their mouse counterparts.

  1. Rats have thicker bodies and tails that are shorter than the length of their body.
  2. They possess small hairy ears and larger feet.
  3. Rat droppings are banana-shaped and much bigger than mice droppings at 10–20 mm long.
  4. Rats produce 3–6 litters a year with up to 10 pups in each litter.
  5. Rats are adventurous, omnivorous eaters who will feed on a variety of grains and meats.
  6. They forage overnight and nest in garages, trees, and basements.

Are Rats and Mice Dangerous?

Rats and mice alike can exhibit similar behaviors inside your property if they have infested your home. They are also both dangerous in several ways. Rodents are infamous for their ability to carry and spread a number of potentially dangerous diseases. They also can trigger allergies in people. A rodent problem can be a mess to clean up due to the amount of droppings and urine left behind. Lastly, they can cause significant damage to your home. Both mice and rats will chew through insulation, cardboard, wood, and electrical wiring. Needless to say, this can be rather dangerous.

Need Help Identifying Rodents?

If you are unsure what type of rat or mouse has infested your home, contact the rodent exterminators at Rentokil. Our team knows how distressing a rat or mouse problem can be, which is why we are committed to keeping you safe from them year-round here in Puerto Rico. Call us today to learn more!

Why Are Rodents More Aggressive During COVID-19?

Rodents are entering Puerto Rico homes during the pandemic - Rentokil formerly Oliver ExterminatingRodents are one of the most common pest problems in Puerto Rico this time of year. However, if you’ve been seeing more than ever, you’re not alone! Since the start of the pandemic, rat and mouse infestations have become more of a problem for residents. This is due to the fact that rodents were suddenly depleted of their food source when restaurants and bars were put under new limitations. In addition to becoming more abundant, they have become more aggressive as they compete for food sources. A rodent problem is always a property owner’s worst nightmare—not only do they spread germs and bacteria, they also can be destructive. For this reason, Rentokil formerly Oliver Exterminating is focusing on prevention tips this Rodent Awareness Week. Keep reading to learn more.

Rodents During the Pandemic in Puerto Rico

We all know rats and mice can transmit disease, but what about COVID-19? While rats and mice have been linked to certain coronaviruses, there is no current evidence or research to show that rodents are transmitting the current strain (SARS-CoV-2) to humans. Here are the facts:

  1. Due to the restaurant shutdowns and lockdowns, there have been a number of reported cases of rats and mice becoming more bold and rampant in the absence of food sources.
  2. The surge in rodent activity leads to a bigger risk of infestations and rodent-spread issues.
  3. While they won’t transmit COVID-19 to you or your family, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and more.
  4. Once inside your home, rodents can cause damage with their chewing and nesting habits.

Tips to Prevent Rats & Mice

To keep rodents and the dangers they bring out of your home, it’s important to implement rodent exclusion practices. These include:

  • Storing food properly. Securely store food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
  • Sealing holes around pipes. Use caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.
  • Covering vents. Install mesh screens on your vents. Also consider installing screens on doors and windows.
  • Using tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed and stored.
  • Protecting eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.

How to Keep Rodents Out During COVID-19

With everything else going on this year, the last thing you have time for is a rodent problem. At Rentokil, we know how distressing rodent problems are, which is why we are committed to keeping you and your family safe all year long. Contact our rodent exterminators today to find out more!

Best Pest-Proofing Tips For Fall

 

Cleaning your home can help prevent fall pest infestations in Puerto Rico - Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating

Worried about the colder months ahead? Seasonal pest infestations spike this time of year as insects and rodents alike start to make their way indoors in preparation for colder weather. Once inside, these pests will gladly settle in and enjoy the endless sources of food, water, and shelter that your Puerto Rico home provides. The last thing you want to deal with in the months ahead are pests inside your property. This is why fall pest-proofing is so important to protect your home. Keep reading for Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating’s best tips for protecting your home from pests this fall and winter.

Top Tips to Pest-Proof Your Home This Fall

Some of the most common pests we deal with this time of year include cockroaches, rodents, and spiders, among others. The best way to keep them outside where they belong is to implement pest exclusion tactics. Our best pest-proofing tips for fall include:

  1. Ensure your basements, attics, and crawl spaces are well ventilated and dry. Pests and insects love moisture. Consider using a dehumidifier in moisture-filled areas.
  2. Store all firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and keep your yard clean and tidy. Trim back trees and shrubs that are too close to the home.
  3. Thoroughly inspect items before bringing them indoors. This includes boxes of your seasonal decorations, grocery bags, package deliveries, and more. The last thing you want is to carry pests inside.
  4. Consider replacing your weather-stripping. Also repair loose mortar around the foundation and windows. These are easy ways to keep not only pests, but also cold air out of the house.
  5. Promptly pick up your pets’ food dishes after they’re done eating. Pet food left out on the floor, in the garage, or even outdoors is an easy target for insects and rodents alike.
  6. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens. Torn window screens and cracks under doors are an ideal entry point for household pests. Opening a window without a screen is a sure way to invite the pests right in.
  7. Make sure your drainage system is functioning properly. Install gutters or repair your existing system to help draw water away from the home. Quickly fix or replace any leaky pipes contributing to moisture issues inside.
  8. Install screens wherever there is an opening in your property: attic vents, chimney openings, mail slots, animal doors, and more.
  9. Seal any cracks or crevices using caulk and steel wool on the perimeter of your property. Pay special attention to areas where utility pipes enter.
  10. Clean your home on a regular basis. Wipe down your kitchen counters, store food in sealed containers, and use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid. Crumbs and accessible garbage will draw pests of all types.

Seasonal Pest Control Services in Puerto Rico

At Rentokil, we know how distressing a pest problem can be any time of the year. Because they are more likely to come inside during the fall and winter, contact our home exterminators now to see how we can help safeguard your home.