Every location brings about its own variety of vermin. To help you identify and prevent those local pests in the River Region, we asked Eric Batrez of Absolute Termite and Pest Control to provide some expertise.
After graduating with a BA in business administration with a focus in marketing, Eric started Absolute Termite and Pest Control in 2006. He is currently the President, where he is involved in the day-to-day management, as well as, overseeing the termite division. Aside from Absolute Termite, Eric is a licensed home builder in the State of Alabama, currently involved in projects creating affordable homes in the River Region. In his free time, Eric enjoys technical scuba diving and spending time with his two sons.
What are the most common local pests you deal with?
Ants, fleas, roaches, bedbugs, termites, and rodents (depending on the season and weather)
Any tips for season-specific pest control?
Spring and early summer is when you start to see swarming subterranean and formosan termites. Also fleas and ticks are more active during the summer months. In winter time, rodents are looking for a warm place to live, so they move indoors. Making sure that there are no entry points is a great place to start to prevent infestation.
How do I prevent fleas?
- Make sure your outdoor pets are on a flea prevention regimen.
- Keep exterior foliage cut back.
- Make sure any crawl space access does not allow for any wildlife or stray animals.
How do I treat/prevent termites?
Termites are common in our area. To prevents them, make sure not to keep and firewood on the ground near the house and address any moisture accumulation. A preventative termite treatment is a smart way to keep your home protected. If you notice anything that worries you as a homeowner, Absolute will come out to inspect at no charge.
How do I prevent roaches/palmetto bugs?
Reduce any moisture around your home, keep bushes around your home trimmed, and maintain general pest control.
What pests should I watch out for?
Keep an eye out for black widows and brown recluse spiders. To help keep them away, remove tall grass, leaves, and logs from any outdoor play areas to prevent children from getting bit. Keep tetanus shots up to date because spider bites can get infected with tetanus.