Raccoons digging up the lawn

If animals are digging up your lawn in the Fall, it is being done by raccoons and or skunks in search of grubs. You will need to hire a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator to trap these animals. Contact DQ Pest Control wildlife removal services for Long Island raccoon removal. The animal removal process is the first step in the process of saving your lawn. The following year, you will need to control the grubs in your yard to prevent raccoons and skunks from digging up the sod again.

Stop Grubs In Your Lawn

White grubs can be serious lawn pests. Knowing when to control them saves you time and money.  If your grass turns brown and pulls up quickly in July and August, or if you notice a lot of critters such as skunks or raccoons tearing up your lawn, your grass may be infested with grubs. White grubs are the larvae of Japanese beetles, June beetles, or masked chafer beetles. They cause damage to lawns by feeding on the roots of the grass.  Get rid of the grubs, and the raccoons and skunks will stop digging up your lawn.

Identifying the Pest

Grubs are milky white with a brownish head. They typically curl into a “C” shape when disturbed. Depending on the species, they may have a 1-year or a 3-year life cycle. Annual white grubs (larvae of masked chafer beetles or Japanese beetles) begin their life cycle in mid-to-late summer, proliferate, and do most of their feeding in late summer. Larvae of June beetles take 3 years to complete their life cycle, so damage from them may appear in lawns in spring, summer, or Fall.

When to Control Grubs – Nassau County Exterminator

Controls are most effective on immature grubs. For most species and locations, July or August is the prime time to treat with an insecticide. However, because grub populations vary from year to year, you may be able to save the cost of treatment if you first sample your lawn to estimate how many grubs are present. Dig up several pieces of sod about a foot square. If you find five or fewer grubs per square foot, you need not apply grub control. The lawn will withstand the amount of feeding these few grubs do. If 10 or more grubs are present, treat your lawn for grubs. If the average count is between five and 10, whether or not to control depends on the health of your grass, your tolerance for damage to the lawn, and the presence of natural controls.

Natural Grub Controls – Nassau County Pest Control

Milky spore is a natural bacterium that can effectively control Japanese beetle grubs, but it usually takes several years for it to become established in the soil. It requires some grubs in the ground to live on, so don’t use it in combination with chemical grub controls. Milky spore is ineffective on other types of grubs.

Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that live in the soil. They seek out grubs, and after entering their bodies, release bacteria that kill the grubs. The two significant types of insect parasitic nematodes are Steinernema spp. and Heterorhabditis spp. The nematodes are applied as a live product, so make sure if you use them that they have been handled carefully to keep them alive and that their shelf life has not expired. These nematodes are effective on all types of grubs in the soil.

Weather and irrigation practices can work in your favor to control grubs, too. Grub populations are usually highest when soil conditions are consistently moist. Many grubs will not survive in dry years or if you withhold irrigation water during hot summer months. This strategy may work well for bluegrass lawns that recover well from summer dormancy.

Chemical Grub Controls

Apply curative chemical grub controls at the correct time when grubs are small and actively feeding near the soil surface. This is usually from early July until mid-August. Chemicals labeled for curative control are carbaryl, halofenozide, and imidacloprid.

Because grub populations vary so much from year to year, preventative chemical controls are seldom justified. But if your lawn has been attacked by grubs consistently, a preventative insecticide application in late May or June may be warranted. Imidacloprid and halofenozide provide extended, preventive grub control.

Water in chemical controls moves the chemical into the soil, where it can act on the grubs. Watering the lawn after chemical application moves the product down to the thatch layer and stimulates the grubs to move upward in the soil, closer to the chemical.

How to Get Rid of Raccoons

Raccoons are among the most widespread mammals in New York State. The adaptable raccoon can be found everywhere, from the most remote forest to the crowded inner city. The increasing number of raccoons in Nassau County, Long Island has resulted in diverse reactions by residents, ranging from outrage at their presence to deliberate feeding of raccoons. Wildlife removal experts from Nassau County Animal Control caution against feeding wild animals, because they lose their fear of humans and become increasingly obtrusive and dependent on humans as a food source. Raccoons without fear of humans are more likely to attack people. Raccoons don’t normally attack domestic animals, but will fight and even kill a cat, or dog for food.

Why Get Rid of Raccoons?

Despite their innocent-looking, cute little faces, raccoons actually have quite a reputation for being mischievous and destructive. Raccoons like to tear holes in a roof and inhabit attics. Raccoons in the attic, will urinate and defecate on the insulation in the attic and ruin it. When a raccoon enters a home, they also bring fleas with them. Raccoons often knock over trash cans and uproot gardens and lawns in search of earthworms and grubs that they eat. Raccoons may also carry and transmit diseases such as rabies or roundworm and are capable of becoming aggressive and biting humans, or other animals when they are rabid or feel threatened.

When it comes to getting rid of raccoons, there is no magic wildlife removal spray or raccoon repellent. These chemicals and other products like ultrasonic sound devices are really just gimmicks. The only proven way to get rid of a raccoon is through preventing access, limiting food sources, and raccoon trapping.

Step 1) Prevent Access

If you suspect that your home is inhabited by raccoons, skip this step and go to step 3. It is a little known fact that adult raccoons can fit through an opening as small as 3″ to 4″ in diameter. To prevent access, you should inspect the home or structure for all possible openings, and then seal them off. The most common entrance to a home for raccoons is down the chimney, or else through a vent by way of the roof. Do not block these openings if you suspect that your home is inhabited by raccoons. Methods of preventing access include:

•Trim trees and other shrubberies away from the house and roof
•Secure a cap of sheet metal over the chimney outlet
•Repair openings or holes in the home, but first make sure that your home is not already inhabited by an animal. Place newspaper into the opening and if it gets pushed out, don’t repair the hole until the animals have been removed.
•Electric fences may keep raccoons out of lawn and garden

Step 2) Limit Food Sources

Raccoons are not going to stick around long or make your home their home unless there are enough food sources to sustain them. To limit or eliminate food sources:

•Keep all trash in metal cans or bins with tight-fitting lids
•Keep trash cans in a garbage can storage shed
•When throwing away meat or other foods with a strong odor, double-bag them to reduce smells
•Eliminate as many sources of water as possible in your yard and near your home
•Regularly clean up fallen fruit such as berries in your garden
•If possible, cover garden crops with a cage of wire netting.
•Don’t leave pet food outside.

Step 3) Raccoon Removal Long Island

In New York State raccoons are protected by law. No one may possess a raccoon without a license, and licenses are not issued for pet wildlife. Hunting or trapping raccoons requires a license. If you suspect that your home has become inhabited by raccoons or some other wildlife contact a licensed New York State Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator. Do not attempt to seal the animals out of your home, which results in you sealing them into your home. Even if you are successful at excluding the animal from your home, there is a good chance that there are baby raccoons in the attic. The mother raccoon can and will attempt to get back into your home to get to her raccoon pups, which usually results in more damage to your home. If she doesn’t get back into your home, the raccoon pups will die and you will have a terrible stench, and blowflies will now inhabit your home.

Raccoons in the Attic ?

Many suburbanites see raccoons as mere pests, and others may consider this little critter a huge headache and even a potential threat. But, for those that have had raccoons in the attic, they can be real nightmares. They make a lot of noise, can cause extensive damage, and pose a health risk to your family.

Here are some basic facts about raccoon habits:

Raccoons are nocturnal, foraging for food at night and resting in the daytime

• Raccoons are scavengers and are particularly fond of garbage left by humans; however, they have been known to dunk their food in water before taking a bite. How civilized!

The hands of raccoons are similar to those of primates in that they are adequately spaced evenly, making them very agile

They do not hibernate in the winter, but they do go into a restful state and eat very little

Raccoons are typically loners, but mothers stay with their cubs from the spring births until the first winter

Raccoons are vagabonds; they will travel to follow food and shelter but will remain at places as long as they need

Here’s the catch. Note the last two points: raccoon mothers and babies stick together for about 16 weeks and they will travel and commit to a place that offers comfort. Here’s where your home comes into play—this can present a place that offers warmth, cover, and food for a raccoon mama nursing her young.

Wildlife removal, particularly when a raccoon takes up residence, is best handled by a professional. They can be difficult to evict and time is of the essence—before too much damage is done. Learn more about how we get rid of raccoons in your home in upcoming posts. And note that the springtime is when baby raccoons are born and homeowners should be particularly suspicious of noises they hear or other curious findings that may indicate a raccoon guest.

About DQ Pest Control:

DQ Pest Control is a family-owned and operated New York animal control and pest remediation company serving the New York metropolitan area and Long Island. Specialist David Quinn is a New York exterminator with many years of experience in the family business.

Spring is Finally Here ! Welcome, Green Leaves, Tulips, and ... Raccoons ?

The new season is upon us and there’s nothing like springtime in New York. The flowers begin to bloom, the trees get their leaves back, and the air is pleasant for a stroll—the crispness of the cooler months with the sunshine’s promise of warmer weeks to come. It’s great! We’ve been waiting since October!

But, so have others… like raccoon families, particularly mamas. They are ready for the new spring arrivals, and the last item on the “to-do” list is to make a nest. And guess what? Your attic looks pretty appealing.

There are a few reasons this becomes a problem in spring and there are a number of problems, aside from the obvious, with a raccoon guest. Because this issue is particularly dire and pervasive, I will spend some time over the next month or so talking about raccoon habits—why they do what they do—and what can be done about it—why we do what we do. 

Do you have any raccoon stories you’d like to share? If so, we’d love to hear about your experiences. Post a comment and let us know what happened. Maybe you’ll have just the information someone needs! What damages did you see? How did you solve the problem?

As things warm up outside, be on the lookout for more posts about raccoons here: about their habits, how to detect a problem, and what to do if you have one. And feel free to ask us questions and tell us your stories!                

About DQ Pest Control:  

DQ Pest Control is a family-owned and operated New York animal control and wildlife removal company serving the New York metropolitan area and Long Island. Specialist David Quinn is a New York exterminator with many years of experience in the family business.

Do You Have a Mouse in the House ?

Perhaps you turned on the kitchen light in the middle of the night and actually saw the little critter bounding for a retreat in a wall crevice. Then you know you have a mouse and can implement mouse control steps. But often, the signs can be much more subtle. If you notice any of these occurrences, you’ll have to take action quickly.

-Have you noticed any droppings? Mouse droppings are tiny brown balls and can be easily mistaken for seeds, dirt, or other common debris.

-Have you heard any scurrying-type sounds after you’ve turned in for the night? Mice are nocturnal and may become more active after hours.

-Have you noticed your pet clawing at the walls or floorboards? Pets can be much more sensitive to smells and sounds that the mouse may be making.

-Do you notice any “nesting?” It could be stuffing seeping out of a pillow or some shredded newspaper. This means that a mouse has likely found some material to make its bed.

There are some ways to remediate the problem yourself, such as setting traps. But this can be a little messy, a bit inaccurate, and clearly has a distinct “ick” factor. Mouse exterminating with a professional can mean that you never have to deal with the extermination aftermath and you can be more assured that the problem has been completely eradicated. DQ Pest Control employs Long Island rodent control experts.

A mouse exterminating professional can also tell you how to keep this from happening again. They can point out tiny crevices and openings that may have provided the portal and can show you how to get rid of mice and other pests this winter.

About DQ Pest Control:

DQ Pest Control is a family-owned and operated New York animal control and wildlife removal service, serving the New York metropolitan area and Long Island. Specialist David Quinn is a Nassau County exterminator with many years of experience in the family business.

Animals in the Attic Nassau County, Long Island, NY

Halloween is fast approaching and everyone is gearing up for a fun and fearless night.  The kids are getting their costumes prepared, families are carving pumpkins, and the night owls are gearing up for some scary festivities. Unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when some real scary sounds may be coming from your attic or crawlspace.

Every urban critter around will be looking for a good place to hole up for the winter. Squirrels, bats, opossums, raccoons, and others may find that your home suits them just perfectly. But these little trick-or-treaters can present big problems.

First and foremost, it’s just plain creepy to have a furry wild animal in your home.

Secondly, it can be quite dangerous. Not only can they damage your property, burrowing in the insulation or chewing on wood beams, but their droppings can harbor dangerous bacteria. Also, certain rodents and other critters may chew on wires, which is a fire hazard.

If you notice signs that you may have a house guest of the furry variety, you’ll need professional wildlife removal services to make sure you get rid of the problem and prevent it from happening again.

You will also want to contact a New York or Long Island exterminator that utilizes the most humane animal trapping techniques available—best for your family and for the animal. Bats are particularly found in attics and fireplace stacks and must be remediated by a professional bat control expert.

So have fun on Halloween, but if you hear more rattling in the attic, be sure to have a professional critter control technician take care of it.

About DQ Pest Control:

DQ Pest Control is a family-owned and operated Long Island animal control and wildlife removal company serving the New York metropolitan area and Long Island. Specialist David Quinn is a Nassau County exterminator with many years of experience in the family business.

DQ Pest Control Wildlife Exterminator

I like big bugs and I cannot lie/All you other brothers can't deny ..."

Well, OK, that's not entirely accurate. If I'm to be brutally honest, as a New York animal control and wildlife removal professional, I've actually made the elimination of bugs and other pests my stock in trade.

My name is David Quinn, and for many years now it's been my privilege to help Long Island pest control customers with all kinds of infestations: cockroaches, ants, fleas and ticks, termites, mice, rats, bats, birds, and all manner of nuisance wildlife.

Long Island ant exterminating

I'd love to be able to say that we intelligent humans unfailingly declare swift victories over these pests, but the sad fact is sometimes it's the seemingly humble invaders that eventually get the upper hand ... er, wing, claw, or mandible, as the case may be. However, in my experience as a Brooklyn exterminator, I've picked up a thing or two about more than a few pesky critters.

I know you must have plenty to say on these topics as well. With this forum, I hope to offer up tips for dealing with vexing pest issues, dish up tricks of the trade you can put to work in your own pest control efforts and give you the opportunity to chime in as well. We'll touch on every pest control subject from the ever-resilient cockroach to the proficient gnawing of the Norway rat, as well as other topics on which I'll offer insight:

• Dog Termite & Bedbug Detection
• Animal Trapping
• Dead Animal Removal & Odor Control
• Biohazardous Material Cleanup & Decontamination
• Attic Restoration & Raccoon Feces Removal
• Chimney Cap Installation & Attic Vent Screening

During the months, and hopefully, years, to come, as you get to know me and my trade, I welcome the honor of getting to know you as well. This isn't "Dave's Blog" – it's your sounding board, your safe house. No traps or deterrents here! Let's share with each other the stories, ordeals, questions, and concerns that come to light and find solutions (check out the New York State Pest Management Association website as a resource) and hash-out ideas together.

About DQ Pest Control:

DQ Pest Control is a family-owned and operated New York animal control and wildlife removal company serving the New York metropolitan area and Long Island.