Many of us here in Maine are eagerly waiting for the arrival of real spring. Although the calendar indicated that the season officially began last month, the weather has been unpredictable ever since, leaving us on a roller coaster ride of temperature fluctuations and late snow and ice. It’s hard enough trying to figure out what to wear on any given day, let alone predict whether this crazy weather will have any kind of impact on the tick population in Maine. In today’s blog post, we’ll look at how the weather might influence tick activity and share a few tick prevention tips to help residents ..read more

Many Maine homeowners have yet to realize the full potential of their basements. In the past, basements were mainly used for doing laundry, housing the wood stove and/or furnace, storing furniture and belongings, and other similar functions. However, times have changed, and basements have become much more versatile, serving as entertainment spaces, home gyms, man-caves, and even in-law apartments. This means that they now offer much more value than they used to. Unfortunately, some basements tend to be damp, creating an environment that not only attracts pests but also allows them to thrive. I ..read more

Do you ever get that itch to take matters into your own hands when it comes to kicking pests out of your home? It's tempting, right? Grabbing a can of bug spray or setting up a few mouse traps might seem like a quick fix to your pest problem but hold on just a sec. DIY pest control might sound like an epic move, but it’s not without its risks.  First off, let's talk about those store-bought pesticides and sprays.  Sure, they promise to eradicate insects, but have you ever read a label on one of them? Those chemicals can be seriously potent stuff. They're designed to kill bugs, after ..read more

Pine State Pest Solutions has been voted the best pest control company in Maine for 2023 by the Best of the 207! What’s even better, you helped us get there! Thank you to everyone who voted for our locally owned and operated pest control company; it’s truly an honor to serve you.     Best pest control company in Maine for 2023 Best of the 207, sponsored by Fidium Fiber, recognizes and celebrates the best businesses and organizations in Maine. Pine State Pest Solutions was chosen as the Gold Best Pest Control for 2023.  “We are deeply grateful to all our customers for voting us ..read more

Although we haven’t had a “typical” Maine winter, it’s not necessarily over just yet. In fact, the Farmer’s Almanac predicts a deep freeze and another doozy of a storm to hit Maine in late February. Meanwhile, that ole’ groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, says spring will be coming early to the Pine Tree State. Only time will tell, and as we wait, let’s discuss how an early spring could affect browntail moth activity.  What does an early spring mean for browntail moth caterpillars? An early spring in Maine can potentially affect browntail moth activity in several ways: Accelerated life cycle W ..read more

Do you think you have what it takes to kill bed bugs in your home? While a quick Google search will likely offer numerous home remedies and DIY solutions that seem doable, it’s very unlikely they’ll eliminate the bed bug problem. In fact, there’s a good chance it'll make the infestation worse. In today’s blog post, we’ll identify the pitfalls of DIY and offer a solution that will exterminate bed bugs.      Home remedies for bed bugs that do not work Rubbing alcohol, kerosine and gasoline should be avoided when fighting bed bugs. Not only can they harm you and anyone else nearb ..read more

Are you ready to say goodbye to 2023 and welcome the new year with open arms and a clean slate? Whether you’re a resolution-setting, nudge-word creating type or completely the opposite, preparing for 2024 doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. And that includes protecting your home from unwanted guests, namely insects and rodents. While we’re not experts in helping people set goals for the gym or other areas of their lives, we do know a little something about keeping pests away and that’s exactly what we’re going to focus on in today’s blog post. Read along as we share practical pest prevention ..read more

If only fall in Maine was wearing cozy sweaters, sipping on warm drinks, and finding the perfect pumpkin to complement your front porch. Alas, it’s also the time of year when mice are searching for shelter from the chill. If you’ve been hearing mice scurrying around in your ceiling already, you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you can do when you hear mice in the ceiling, with an emphasis on why it’s best to contact a pest control company rather than attempting DIY solutions.  Identifying the problem The first step in addressing a mouse infestation in your ceiling is ..read more

As you’ve looked around your backyard this fall, have you noticed an abundance of acorns on the ground or heard them falling from the trees?  It's a familiar sight for many Mainers during the fall season, but have you ever wondered what these tiny nuts might have to do with the headaches some homeowners face? In this blog post, we'll explore the intriguing connection between dropping acorns, increasing mouse populations, and the challenges this can pose for Maine homeowners. The acorn-mouse connection  While it’s common knowledge that squirrels… well squirrel away acorns for winter ..read more

As the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves start to change, there's another seasonal event that often goes unnoticed until it becomes a problem: the arrival of mice seeking shelter from the cold. While these little critters might be cute in children’s books, on T.V., and at popular amusement parks, they're less adorable when they invade your home. But don't worry; we're here to help you keep mice out of your house this fall with a few simple rodent prevention tips. Five Simple Rodent Prevention Tips Seal off entry points The first line of defense against mice is to prevent them from ente ..read more