You might think mosquito season winds down as the summer ends, but don’t start celebrating just yet. Huntsville and other Alabama cities are experiencing more “mosquito days” than ever. A recent study published in May 2023 defines a mosquito day as one with a relative humidity of at least 42% and temperatures between 50 and 95 degrees.

Since 1979 and through 2022, cities like Montgomery and Birmingham have seen more of these mosquito-friendly conditions. And the Huntsville area hasn’t escaped an increase in the type of weather loved by little bloodsuckers either. This means it’s time to be proactive about protecting your family and home from these buzzing pests.

Mild Winters in Alabama Make Our Mosquito Season Longer

In Alabama, mosquitos often stick around past the traditional end-of-October cutoff. These pests don’t always get the seasonal memo, thanks to our relatively mild winters. Extended mosquito activity means we should remain vigilant into the fall. Remember that these months can still present a risk for those irritating bites and the potential diseases that mosquitoes can carry. This is another reason a targeted mosquito service is so relevant—it’s designed to give you peace of mind, regardless of how long the little critters decide to hang around. While our mosquito service typically is put on hold between November and February, we are happy to come out and service during those months if you need us to!

Who We Are at Scout Pest Control

Scout Pest Control is more than just another company trying to kill bugs; we’re also your neighbors. We proudly serve Huntsville, Madison, and Athens, focusing on improving your quality of life. Our team brings years of experience to your business, home and yard, solving problems even in the most sensitive environments. We do background checks on all our employees to make sure they’re people you can trust.

Our Mosquito Service Takes the Sting Out of Early Fall

Scout’s mosquito control service goes beyond gadgets and gizmos. We use a gas-powered mister to treat foliage and other spots where mosquitoes like to rest. Our treatments remove their hiding places, reducing their numbers significantly. We also treat standing water areas to kill off mosquito larvae, and we even point out places on your property where you can make changes to stop them from breeding.

Close Neighbors But Not So Friendly

Afraid of mosquitoes invading from next door? Don’t worry. Because they’re weak flyers, our treatments tackle even mosquitoes coming from nearby yards. Depending on your yard’s specifics, you can look forward to a 60–80% reduction in mosquito numbers, which means fewer bites and more outdoor fun.

We Make More Than Just Mosquitoes Disappear

Our General Pest Control program usually requires only one service per season. That’s a money-saver when you compare it to companies that need to visit every month. We adapt our services to your home’s seasonal needs and offer eco-friendlier Green Pest Control options that align with National Organics Program standards. From rodent control to bed bug services, we can handle it for you.

Your Satisfaction Is Our Goal

If the pests come back, so do we. We provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unhappy, we’ll re-treat your home using our specialized methods to tackle your problem.

Reach Out for a Pest-Free Life

We’re always here to help you make the best choice for your home. Feel free to call or message us to set up a free inspection and quote. And don’t just take our word for it; our growing list of satisfied customers speaks for itself.

So, the next time you find yourself slapping away a mosquito or dealing with any other pest, remember—we’re here to improve your life by eliminating these nuisances. Experience the Scout Difference. Schedule an appointment to reclaim your outdoor space.

As the summer heats up, so does bed bug  activity. If you get unlucky with a bed bug infestation, these tiny bloodsuckers and their itchy bites can turn your peaceful nights into a nightmare.

If you’ve ever thought that bed bug infestations seem to worsen during the warmer months, you’d be right. Here, we’ll explore the reasons for this summer surge. Then we’ll explain why you should contact a professional pest control company at the first sign of these elusive pests.

What Time of Year Are Bed Bugs the Worst?

Although bed bugs can appear in your home at any time of year, the summer and early fall are seasons when bed bug problems tend to intensify. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why.

More Travel

Summer is synonymous with vacations, family visits, travel, and exploration. Unfortunately, the season is also prime time for bed bugs to hitch a ride. As people go on trips and stay in hotels, hostels, or rental accommodation, they unknowingly offer bed bugs ample opportunities to infest luggage, clothing, and personal belongings. These pesky hitchhikers can then make their way into your home, spreading rapidly.

Higher Temperatures

While mostly we think of bed bugs inside air-conditioned homes, they also live happily wherever we live, sleep, or rest. This includes summer camps, cabins, busses, movie theaters, etc. During the summer months we are more likely to visit these places and thus potentially bring home a nasty surprise.

Increased Human Activity

Summer brings a flurry of social activities and gatherings. Whether it’s hosting barbecues, attending festivals, or having guests over, when humans get more active, there are more opportunities for bed bugs to spread. These insects are skilled at hiding in cracks, crevices, and upholstery, making it easy for them to hitch a ride from one location to another, unknowingly brought in by unsuspecting visitors.

Delayed Detection

Detecting a bed bug infestation can be challenging, as these pests are masters of concealment. During the warmer months, people spend more time outdoors and leave their homes unoccupied for longer periods. This can give bed bugs a chance to reproduce unnoticed and spread more extensively, making the infestation harder to control. During the summer people are also more likely to be taking allergy medications. Often the first sign homeowners find of an infestation is the swollen itchy bumps that develop after a few months of being exposed to bed bug saliva. Allergy medication can delay how long it takes to develop a reaction to the bite, thus allowing the infestation to grow larger and spread more.

Will My Bed Bugs Ever Go Away?

Yes. With proven bed bug treatments and some discipline and patience. But DIY methods may well make the problem worse.

At Scout Pest Control, we’ve been helping homeowners in North Alabama eliminate bed bugs for 10 years. During that time we’ve been called into plenty of homes where people have tried to handle bed bug infestations on their own before reaching out to the professionals.

We understand that feeling that you need to take action right away, but doing so can lead to further bed bug spread and make successful extermination more challenging. Bed bugs are extremely resilient and can develop resistance to certain bed bug control products, making consistent professional intervention necessary. As pest control experts, we have the knowledge, experience, and specialized treatments to effectively eliminate bed bugs from your home and give you long-term relief.

“Hiring  an experienced, responsible pest control professional can increase your chance of success in getting rid of bed bugs. If you hire an expert, be sure it’s a company with a good reputation …” says the United States Environmental Protection Agency. 

Contact A North Alabama Bed Bug Control Company

That’s why it’s crucial to reach out to us at the first sign of an infestation.

Signs of a bed bug problem include the following:

Bite Marks

Bed bug bites often appear as small, red, itchy welts on the skin. They may be arranged in a line or cluster and are commonly found on areas exposed during sleep, such as the face, neck, arms, and legs.

Bed Bug Sightings

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed. Look for live bugs, exoskeletons that have been shed, or tiny eggs on your mattress, bedding, furniture, or in cracks and crevices near sleeping areas.

Blood Stains

As bed bugs feed on human blood, they often leave behind small blood stains on sheets, pillowcases, or other bedding materials. These stains can appear as dark or rust-colored spots.

Fecal Stains

Bed bugs excrete dark-colored fecal spots that look like tiny black dots or ink stains. You may find these stains on your mattress, bedding, or nearby furniture.

Musty Odor

In severe infestations, bed bugs can emit a distinct musty odor. It’s often described as a sweet or sickly scent. If you notice an unusual odor in your bedroom or living spaces, it could be a sign of a significant bed bug presence.

If you notice any of these signs, take action right away. Contact us for a thorough free inspection.

Save Your Summer from Bed Bugs

Once we confirm the infestation, we can provide comprehensive treatments that target both adult bed bugs and their eggs. Our methods and bed bug control products are thorough and effective. Note that they do require some effort and collaboration from you as the homeowner as well as our technicians.

To help you prepare for the treatment, we’ll give you a prep list outlining the steps you need to take. You must follow these guidelines to ensure the best possible outcome and allow us to get rid of the infestation effectively.

Don’t let bed bugs spoil your summer fun or be the reason you have to cancel family visits. We’re here to help. Call us at 256-216-1088 for that free inspection. We’ll get out to see you quickly in Madison, Huntsville, or Athens.

North Alabama homeowners face challenges in May and June, as our lush and leafy natural surroundings come back to life. One of these is dealing with more pests — specifically spiders and ants. 

As the days get sunnier, these critters get more active. It often feels like they’re determined to give up life outdoors and move in with us instead. 

The Risks of Spiders and Ants in Your Home

Painful and dangerous bites are a threat from fire ants and from spiders like Black Widows and Brown Recluses — all found in the Tennessee Valley. Meanwhile, carpenter ants, also common in Madison County, can burrow into the wood in your rafters, walls, and fences — causing expensive structural damage.

That’s why professional pest control services are essential for Huntsville-area residents who want to prevent ants and spiders for the safety of their property, family, and pets. 

If you don’t have one by this time of year, there are probably a few eight-legged intruders already lurking in the dark corners of your garage. Or an entire colony of odorous house ants could be scuttling along the kitchen windowsill, preparing to invade.

The time to act is now. 

Early spring is almost over and the critter-incursion will intensify in June. Get spiders and ants out of your home, and keep them there, with help from our expert bug exterminators at Scout Pest Control.

How to Keep Spiders and Ants Out

There’s only one surefire way to prevent ants and spiders from being your uninvited summer house guests, and that’s to bring in a pest control expert. 

Our General Pest Control Program is so effective that one service per season will usually take care of all your pest problems. This is how we save our customers money — there’s no monthly service charge. We warranty each home between visits and will be happy to return for free if you need us.

Give us a call today to find out how our long-lasting products and background-checked technicians offer you effective spider and ant control. 

Then, try these three do-it-yourself tips for warding off a spider- or ant infestation. Disclaimer: These won’t do the job on their own! We recommend them only as a backup to our time-proven local services.

• Clean Regularly

When you’re vacuuming and sweeping, pay attention to areas where spiders and ants like to hide, such as corners, baseboards, and under furniture. This helps eliminate crumbs or any other food source, and makes your home less likely to have a spider and ant problem (they love what we eat!).

• Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for gaps, cracks, or openings that spiders and ants will use to enter. Seal them up using caulk or weatherstripping.

• Trim Vegetation

Keep trees, shrubs, and plants well-trimmed and away from the windows and exterior walls. This leaves fewer pathways for ants and spiders to get in. Regularly mow the lawn and trim vegetation to discourage spiders and ant activity in your yard.

It’s a lot of work, right? We agree. If that’s got you thinking, I need a foolproof solution. I wonder who offers the best pest control services near me?, we hope you’ll check us out.

You may not think of fleas and ticks as something scary, but these parasites are known to cause irritation and infection in humans and animals and can actually spread many types of life threatening diseases! Here are a few reasons from Scout Pest Control on why you should take preventative measures against these parasites and how to go about doing so.

Fleas and ticks are found all over the world. The risk of tick-borne diseases is increasing because of changes in the environment, including a rise in the number of tick species, and the ability of the ticks to adapt to new hosts. There are also more types of flea and tick born illnesses now than in times past. This includes Lyme disease, as well as many others – including one which makes you allergic to red meat! This is caused by what’s called Alpha-gal syndrome and is spread by the lone star tick, which is becoming common in Northern Alabama and the greater Huntsville area. 

Fleas and ticks are highly adaptable parasites that can survive in a variety of environments, and as a result, their presence can be very difficult to eradicate.

The Importance of Preventative Measures

Preventative measures are essential in protecting your dog and cat from fleas and ticks. There are several ways to do this. These include the use of a monthly flea and tick treatments to protect your pet. In addition, pest control services help to keep fleas and ticks out of your yard and can reduce potential exposure to ticks and fleas. If you live anywhere near wildlife or wooded areas, or areas where birds land or nest, you have a higher risk of having flea and tick problems. Since this includes most homes and yards, it’s very important to take preventative measures.

Fleas and ticks are blood-feeding parasites that can transmit disease. In humans, they can cause dermatitis and itchy rashes as well as more serious diseases like Lyme and Alpha-gal syndrome, but also can cause paralysis and even death. In dogs and cats, they can cause irritation, skin and eye disease, and like with humans, even paralysis as well as death.

How Scout Pest Control Can Help

If you are dealing with fleas and ticks inside or around your home, Scout Pest Control can perform a thorough and intense treatment to eliminate these parasites and prevent them from returning. Fleas can be very difficult to eliminate, and multiple treatments may be required depending on the extent of the infestation. Fleas and ticks also reproduce quickly and in large amounts, which is why it’s important to call a professional. Before you even know there is a problem, the fleas and ticks in your home or yard are reproducing on a large scale. 

Flea & Tick Target Areas

If you have pets, there are a few hot-spots in your home that fleas migrate to. These target areas include personal bedding and pet bedding, any area your pet regularly rests such as furniture, carpet or rugs, etc. Bedding should be washed thoroughly with hot water, carpet and rugs should be vacuumed regularly and thoroughly, and it’s important to give your pet flea and tick prevention so they don’t have anything to feed on. 

If you are in need of residential pest control services, Scout Pest Control can help with flea and tick control, mosquito control, rodent control, wasp/bee control, termite control, bed bug treatments and more. We also offer commercial pest control services for businesses such as restaurants, office buildings, schools, and more. Contact us today.