SCARBOROUGH, MAINE EXTERMINATORS

Located just south of Portland along Maine’s southern coast, Scarborough, ME, is a beautiful community known for its beaches, marshes, parks, and welcoming neighborhoods. Unfortunately, the area’s natural beauty and coastal environment can also attract a variety of pests. From residential properties to local businesses, property owners throughout Scarborough may encounter insects and rodents searching for food, water, and shelter.

Scarborough’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, marshes, streams, and other waterways provides plenty of moisture and natural habitat for insects and rodents. Wooded areas and residential neighborhoods can also give pests access to food and shelter. Once they make their way onto a property or inside a building, these unwanted visitors can create concerns for residents’ health and potentially cause damage to homes and businesses.

Many insect pests can cause headaches for home and business owners in Scarborough. Here are a few of the most frequent offenders:

• Flies – Trash, food, and pet waste are favorite food sources and breeding spots for these insects. You may see them around garbage cans, dumpsters, spoiled produce, or animal droppings. Flies can also contribute to the spread of illnesses such as tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and dysentery.
• Cockroaches – Cockroaches prefer dark, protected areas such as pantries, underneath cupboards and appliances, and near drains and pipes. As they move throughout a property, they can spread germs across surfaces, contaminate food, aggravate asthma symptoms, and damage materials such as fabrics and book bindings.
• Bed Bugs – Bed bugs can enter homes, apartments, and other buildings by hitching rides on clothing, luggage, personal belongings, and used furniture. They hide in mattresses, upholstery, and other secluded areas and reproduce quickly. While bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, their bites can leave itchy, red welts on the skin.

Hazards from Rodents

Mice and rats are common pests in communities like Scarborough, ME, where residential neighborhoods, businesses, and natural areas provide plenty of potential food and shelter. These adaptable rodents can squeeze through surprisingly small openings to get indoors while searching for food, water, and protection from the elements. Once inside, they can contaminate food with urine and feces and damage insulation, furniture, woodwork, and other materials.

Rodents can also create health and safety concerns. Because mice and rats constantly gnaw to keep their teeth trimmed, they may chew through electrical wiring and other building materials, potentially creating fire hazards. Rodents can also expose people and pets to harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Concerns in Local Businesses

Pests can cause serious problems for businesses throughout Scarborough, as well as homes. Retail stores, grocery stores, and warehouses may experience product damage or contamination from rodents, cockroaches, and other pests. The presence of pests can also create health concerns for employees and customers.

A pest problem can negatively affect the reputation of local businesses as well. For restaurants, evidence of cockroaches or flies may cause customers to question cleanliness. Scarborough hotels and other lodging facilities could face complaints or lost business if bed bugs are discovered. Even daycare centers may lose the trust of families if parents become concerned about pests and the health and safety of their children.

Signs of Pests

Scarborough, ME, residents and businesses should regularly inspect their properties for signs of pest activity. Identifying an infestation early can make it easier to address the problem before it becomes more serious.

• Damaged Packages – Check kitchens, bathrooms, pantries, and storage areas for bags or boxes with holes, spilled food, or chew marks on shelving and packages.
• Flying – You may see flies buzzing around trash cans, grass clippings, animal waste, or food preparation areas.
• Droppings – Look for small, oval-shaped fecal pellets or dark spots in corners, inside cabinets, underneath appliances, and along walls.
• Teeth Marks or Holes – Rodents may gnaw on door frames, furniture, packages, and other materials. You may also notice burrows around the exterior of a building.
• Sightings – Some pests, including cockroaches, are primarily active at night. Seeing them during the day may indicate a larger infestation.

Preventing Pest Infestations

The best way to avoid the damage and health concerns associated with pests in Scarborough, ME, is to prevent them from getting inside in the first place. Seal cracks and gaps around pipes, doors, and windows, and repair screens with holes or tears. Make sure garage and delivery entrances close properly and remain shut when not in use. Outdoor garbage containers should also have tight-fitting lids to help discourage pests.

Reducing clutter can eliminate potential hiding places for insects and rodents. Property owners should also clean up food and liquid spills promptly, store food in sealed containers, pick up pet food, and repair plumbing leaks. Keeping homes and businesses clean and dry can go a long way toward making the property less attractive to pests.

If you suspect you already have a pest problem, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. Many pests reproduce quickly, allowing a small issue to become a larger infestation. Contact Waltham Pest Services to arrange a free on-site inspection and consultation for your Scarborough home or business. Our trained professionals can help identify pest problems and develop a plan to eliminate current infestations and prevent future issues.