Pest Control Tip: Snakes

Fewer things elicit ear-piercing shrieks and panic than snakes. Despite the efforts of herpetologists who try in vain to educate the masses about snakes, people do not know enough about them to know when they’re in danger and when a snake looks scarier than it actually is. In fact, some snakes don’t even bite and many snakes that do bite aren’t always venomous.

However, regardless of their level of danger, you more than likely don’t want to run into them on your property and definitely not within your home. Here are some tips on how to keep your home and property snake-free.

Within the home:

Once a snake has gotten into your home, there is not much you can do besides freak out or calmly try to capture the slithery serpent. If you are unsure if the snake is harmful, the best solution is to call your pest control company and let the experts handle the situation. They have the equipment and the expertise to do the job correctly and carefully.

To keep snakes out of your home, you need to start on the exterior of your building and go from there.

On your landscape:

Snakes, although somewhat unnerving, are actually quite beneficial to the ecosystem. They are excellent at keeping your home and property rodent-free, and also feed on small amphibious animals such as frogs, toads and salamanders. So if you see a snake outside, think twice about whether or not you want to get rid of your free pest-control. You might just want to capture it and release it a little farther from your home, at a distance you’re more comfortable with.

Pest control experts recommend keeping debris off your property. Snakes need a place to hide out and stay cool, and any place will do. Try to find a way to cover wood piles and fill in ground holes. To keep them from gaining access to your home, caulk any cracks or repair any holes to your foundation.

Pest control specialists also recommend getting a cat. Yep, you read right. If you have snakes on your property, it is guaranteed that they are there because there is an abundant food source. If a kitty cat is able to take care of your rodent problem, snakes will wander off to find food someplace else. Plus you have a new furry friend to keep you company!

Remedies that don’t work:

There is some argument about a few methods of repelling snakes. Some people use mothballs, sulfur, lime, “Snake Away,” and hemp ropes. According to pest control professionals, these methods are not successful. However, some online forum users claim differently. Lime, in particular, is harmful to humans and definitely should not be used. The other methods are harmless enough, so if you want to try and experiment, see how effective they are for yourself.

As always, the best way to keep your snake population down or get rid of an imposing guest within your home is to call your pest control company. The snake might be harmless enough, but unless you know for certain, don’t take any unnecessary risks.

Choosing a Plumber Who Is Qualified for the Job

It’s always a good idea to select your plumber before you actually need one, so that you can make an informed decision about your choice. Otherwise, you might find yourself choosing a plumber in a rush, which often doesn’t lead to quality repairs and affordable prices. Don’t wait until your toilet is clogged or your pipes are leaking. Instead, use these tips to assist you in figuring out which professional is the right person for your plumbing needs before anything happens.

Get a Recommendation

The first place to start your search is to ask family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers who they use for their plumbing maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. You might discover that several people recommend the same plumber or plumbing company, giving you a good option.

Ask a Professional

If you have an established relationship with a building or contracting company, you should call and ask for the contact information for the plumber used by them. If you purchased your home recently, you can contact your real estate agent and ask for a recommendation.

Request the License Number

In order to determine whether or not the plumber has the proper credentials and training, ask for the individual’s license number. If he cannot provide one, it’s best to continue your task of choosing a plumber by looking for a professional who does have a license. In the event that you need to file a claim with your insurer, you will be required to provide the plumber’s license. Choosing a plumber with a license gives you a convenient way to locate him if you need to request additional service based upon the terms of the warranty.

Ask if the Plumber/Plumbing Company Is Insured

Typically, licensed plumbers are insured. You should verify that the plumber does have insurance, just in case you need to put in a claim.

Ask About Service Warranties

If the plumber provides a customer-service guarantee, it’s a clear sign that he does quality work. If he doesn’t offer a service warranty, then it’s more than likely he won’t return to remedy a problem that he created. A plumber who is confidant in his own skills is going to provide a guarantee for his services, giving you an excellent reason to consider him for the task of keeping your plumbing in good condition.

Consider Pricing

As with many service industries, you’ll discover a wide variety in pricing. Some plumbers charge a flat fee that includes everything from parts to labor, while others charge an hourly rate or service-call fee on top of the cost of materials and parts. While it is normal for some jobs to require an open-ended quote due to the unknowns existing with the job, this shouldn’t be the case for each type of plumbing repair. If you want to find a plumber with affordable prices, you need to ask a lot of questions, including whether or not there are any additional fees.

Choosing an Established Plumber

Due to the intricate nature of plumbing, finding an experienced professional who has been in the trade for a number of years gives you access to skilled work. Look for a plumber who operates out of a business office rather than out of his home. You don’t want someone who simply does plumbing as a side business, but rather, you should look for a professional who is committed to providing quality plumbing service.