<![CDATA[Cole Pest Control, LLC - South Florida Pests]]>Mon, 13 May 2024 11:46:10 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Protecting palm trees in South Florida]]>Thu, 15 Jun 2017 18:18:34 GMThttp://colepest.com/south-florida-pests/are-your-palm-trees-in-dangerIf you have ever lost a palm tree to an insect infestation or disease, you know that it is not only expensive to have them removed, but it is also pricey to replace them.  If you are vigilant, your palm trees will be protected and will increase the appeal of your home for many years.  Here are a few tips to make sure your palms are looking their best.

1. Feed them! 
Start by keep your palms fed with the proper fertilizers, tropical blends work the best.  Yellowing of the fronds and black spots can indicate nutrient deficiencies.  If you are feeding them regularly, but still see a problem, you may want to call a professional for an evaluation.  These symptoms can also mean insects are present.

2. Make sure they have access to enough water.
Your 
Palms should have access to irrigation to prevent drought conditions, this will also keep the uptake of nutrients going to the fronds.  If you notice the fronds turning brown, dry, crispy and/or curled, water might be the problem.

3. Be careful with mulch application.
Keep mulch 3-4 inches away from the base of trees, this can lead to rotting and decay of the trunk, or even fungus.
​4.  Protect them from infestation.
Insects play a major role in causing stress and damage to palms. From the ground this can be very hard to asses and in many cases it may look like a simple nutrient deficiency, when really insects are damaging and destroying the plant as they ingest sap causing chlorosis, a yellowing of leaf tissue. These insects produce a sweet secretions which attract various ants like the Whitefooted ant and the Carpenter ant. When this occurs, a certified pest control operator will be required to make an evaluation and analysis of the situation.  

Specialty tree injection  that protects your palm trees from the inside:
Home remedies and general consumer applied treatments that are applied to the soil don't usually work well or fast enough to combat pest infestations. There are too many environmental factors outside the tree that can prevent the tree from taking in the treatment.  The best form of protection is to have your trees injected with a treatment designed to protect the tree from the inside.  These treatments can usually yield results within 24 hours. Even if no pests are present, a trunk injection application can provide prevention for up to a year!  
Benefits of this treatment:
Keep your trees protected from insects all year.
Keep your property green and free from gallons of pesticides drenched around trees. 
Keep your curb appeal and you property value up with pest free trees. 
​ 
Call for a free evaluation
fill out an online request for quick booking
Cole Pest control only uses E.P.A. approved materials and exercises all best management practices for a safe environment. 
]]>
<![CDATA[DON'T LET THEM IN !]]>Wed, 07 Dec 2016 18:31:36 GMThttp://colepest.com/south-florida-pests/dont-let-them-inROOF RATS
Are you hearing sounds in your attic or walls? Don’t ignore it! You most likely have a rodent infestation. Many people have roof rats and don’t even know. In the winter months rodents like to move into attic and crawl spaces seeking harborage.  Without proper treatment, rats will find a way into the interior of your home, carrying disease and causing damage.
These invaders carry disease that can be spread through urine and droppings. Roof Rats constantly need to gnaw to keep their teeth filed down. These rodents may gnaw on electrical wires sometimes causing fires and alarm systems to fail or go off at night. A rodent infestation can cause a rather high dollar amount in property damage if left untreated.   
The most proactive approach is to have a trained professional conduct a complete roof and attic inspection of the home or building. Roof Rats only need an opening about ½ an inch to gain access to your home. These openings  are often found deep in roof joints, soffits, and air conditioning unit sleeves, etc. Most of these access points go unnoticed until there is an infestation. A proper rodent inspection may be the only thing separating you from property damage or potential health risks. 


Picture
Large entry point above kitchen in attic giving acess into the living area of the home. The dark substance is smudge from their bodies (oils and dirt). Notice the gnawing aground the drywall and wood.
Picture
Roof Rat footprints on duct work in attic


​If you are experiencing a rodent issue or just want to be sure you are not at risk contact  Cole Pest Control, you'll get a Certified Pest Control Operator  - certified by the Florida Department of Agriculture - who will solve the problem, and create a plan for your home that makes sense.  Call (561)512 -9337 or: ​​


save $50 on your rodent treatment today!
]]>
<![CDATA[WATCH YOUR STEP!]]>Tue, 30 Aug 2016 12:26:38 GMThttp://colepest.com/south-florida-pests/watch-your-step
We have all seen the large  mounds of dirt in our back yards, at the park, or along the edge of the side walk. These mounds are the home of the Red Imported Fire Ant. Did you know? The mound you see at the surface is just the entry to large underground chambers. This ant is native to central south America and a dangerous pest. A sting from this ant contains 95% alkaloid venom, causing pain and a white pustule to appear about one day after the sting.
​Fire ants feed on carbs, proteins, and lipids (grease from animal lard and oils from seeds).  Anything that disturbs it's nest will be attacked as they flood to the surface to defend the colony. They are extremely territorial. Workers will forage more than 100 ft from the nest, they will forage day and night between 70 degrees and 90 degrees.
These ants are very resilient and require regular treatment applications to keep populations down and protect properties from invasion and people and pets from the painful bite.

If you suspect a fire ant problem or would like a free evaluation contact an expert: at Cole Pest Control, you'll get a Certified Pest Control Operator  - certified by the Florida Department of Agriculture - who will solve the problem, and create a plan for your home that makes sense.  Call (561)512 -9337 or: ​​
get your free EVALUATION!
Check out our specials!
Summer Specials!
]]>
<![CDATA[GIANT ANTS INVADE !]]>Tue, 02 Aug 2016 12:04:26 GMThttp://colepest.com/south-florida-pests/giant-ants-invade The Florida Carpenter Ant, also known as bulldog ants, range in size from 5.5mm to 12mm in length. Colonies my have anywhere from 4,000 to 10,000 workers per nest.  Satellite nests may be found as close as 20 feet apart. The preferred nesting area of this large ant is attic/crawl spaces, old trees, and old termite galleries. Carpenter Ants feed on honey dew secreted from aphids and scales much like the White Footed Ant, but will also consume other insects based on the needs of the colony for reproduction.
They are attracted to damp areas where active or old roof leaks have occurred. Air conditioning units and duct work provide condensation for these wood seeking invaders to drink. Once entry has occurred they will seek out food high in carbohydrates to rapidly increase egg production. Carpenter ants will forage at night and may be seen gathering around exterior lights or trailing on structures at dusk or dawn. Signs of this opportunistic invader are large reddish brown ants found alive or dead in bathrooms, along window and door casings, and near base boards. 
Carpenter ants are elusive until they become a real problem. If you see just a few there are always more hiding. When carpenter ant numbers grow they become very territorial and will bite they spray formic acid into the wound, a defensive chemical causing more pain than the bite alone.

If you suspect a carpenter ant problem or would like an evaluation contact an 
expert: at Cole Pest Control, you'll get a Certified Pest Control Operator  - certified by the Florida Department of Agriculture - who will solve the problem, and create a plan for your home that makes sense.  Call (561)512 -9337 or: ​​
GET YOUR FREE EVALUATION

Check out our summer specials!

SUMMER SPECIALS!
]]>
<![CDATA[Ants by the Millions!]]>Tue, 05 Jul 2016 21:30:53 GMThttp://colepest.com/south-florida-pests/ants-by-the-millionsWhite Footed  Ant colonies may have anywhere from 8,000 to  3 million individuals at a time. White footed ants are most commonly found trailing in large numbers on building exteriors, nesting in attics and inside bathrooms and kitchens. They feed on honey dew secreted by scales, aphids, and mealy bugs. This will occur more frequently  when  lawn and ornamental pest control is not being conducted on a property. Once they make their way inside, they seek out water and sweet foods for rapid reproduction.


​Some early stages of infestation are dead or live foragers in bath tubs, and/or kitchen area. It is critical to begin treatment at this stage. The colony will begin spreading at a higher rate due to the discovery of water and foods containing high carbohydrates, in the home.   White footed ants do not sting or bite but they have been known to get into air conditioning unit drain lines causing clogs, resulting in drainage overflow and leak damage. 

Call an expert: at Cole Pest Control, you'll get a Certified Pest Control Operator  - certified by the Florida Department of Agriculture - who will solve the problem, and create a plan for your home that makes sense.  Call (561)512 -9337 or: 
Click here for your free EVALUATION
Check out our low summer start up rates for new customers!
summer special $50-$100 off
]]>
<![CDATA[German Roaches]]>Sun, 19 Jun 2016 20:35:54 GMThttp://colepest.com/south-florida-pests/german-roaches  German cockroaches are a growing concern in south Florida.  This small roach will infest restaurant establishments, single, and, multi family homes. These little invaders are completely dependent on humans. German roaches seek out what we unknowingly provide, food, water, and harborage. They are prone to hide in kitchens and bathrooms where food or water is plentiful. ​They are usually brought in by paper bags and cardboard containers from grocery stories and restaurants.

   The adult is 10-15mm long and has two distinct lines on its back just behind its head. This roach has a very slim and tapered body. The size is ideal for hiding in dishwashers and ovens and in the majority of kitchen appliances, coffee makers are a favorite.  

 German roaches may cause severe allergic reactions and spread SalmonellaListeria, and E. coli if not treated in a timely manner. Control is difficult without professional help due the  overlapping generations and massive reproductive cycle. A female can produce about 400 eggs in her 100 day lifespan. 
  What can you do to help prevent these unwanted visitors?  Clean grease from stoves, vacuum under appliances regularly, and reduce hiding spots. Caulk openings locate and fix leaks in kitchens and bathrooms. 
Call an expert: at Cole Pest Control, you'll get a Certified Pest Control Operator  - certified by the Florida Department of Agriculture - who will solve the problem, and create a plan for your home that makes sense.  Call (561)512 -9337 or: 
Click here for your free evaluation
Check out our summer special for new customers!
Special summer offers $50-$100 off
]]>
<![CDATA[What's Bugging the Crotons?]]>Fri, 10 Jun 2016 19:42:07 GMThttp://colepest.com/south-florida-pests/whats-bugging-the-crotonsOver the last several years Croton species have come under attack from Croton Scale:  an insect that lives on the plant and feeds on the sap. This invader digests and excretes the sap, causing black sooty mold to form. This mold will cover the plant given enough time, and prevent photosynthesis from occurring  - causing reduced plant growth and eventually plant death.  Prevention, and/or early treatment is critical.

There are many species of crotons: some have leaf types that may be spiraled shaped, some have narrow leaves, while others have wide, flat leaves.  Crotons feature vibrant colors and complement  any size yard.  
Scale infestations are prevalent in the summer months.  It is important to inspect plants regularly.  Look for smooth, green bumps on the stems, and  black sooty mold, primarily on the top of leaves.  Crotons are also known to be attacked by other insects as well, such as mealy bugs, mites, and thrips.  
SUMMER SPECIAL: $50-$100 OFF FOR NEW CUSTOMERS!
Call an expert:  at Cole Pest Control, you'll get a Certified Pest Control Operator  - certified by the Florida Department of Agriculture - who will solve the problem, and create a plan for your home that makes sense.  Call (561)512 -9337 or:
Request a free inspection & analysis
]]>
<![CDATA[Grey Leaf Spot Fungus]]>Mon, 06 Jun 2016 22:08:57 GMThttp://colepest.com/south-florida-pests/grey-leaf-spot-fungusFrequent rainy warm days lead to active fungus issues in our St. Augustine lawns.  One of the most common is Grey Leaf spot fungus. This fungus reduces new growth,  weakens established turf and can kill large areas of St. Augustine grass. 
The fungus is most noticeable by the oblong smokey patches on the individual blades of grass.

Warm rainy days, typically  May through September  create the perfect conditions for excessive  leaf wetness,  high humidity, and wet soil. These conditions are favorable for fungus activity to begin and flourish.

Be sure to check your sprinkler clocks and rain senors during times of heavy rain. Water your lawn between the hrs of  2:00am and 8:00am. This will allow the grass to dry during the dryer days and help prevent potential fungal problems. 

summer special: $50 - $100 of for new customers!
Call an expert:  at Cole Pest Control, you'll get a Certified Pest Control Operator  - certified by the Florida Department of Agriculture - who will solve the problem, and create a plan for your home that makes sense.  Call (561)512 -9337 or:
request a free inspection & analysis
]]>