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Solving A Rabbit Problem

Rabbits are considered pests for a variety of reasons. A community of rabbits can destroy crops, cause soil erosion and compete with native fauna for food and habitat. Because of their plant nibbling and destructive ways, rabbits prove to be a frustrating pest for gardeners and farmers. Through the use of repellents and other pest control methods, it is possible to remove them from your farm or garden.

Recognizing the signs of rabbits

Rabbits have many natural predators, and this makes them difficult to observe. Some people do see rabbits in broad daylight if they’re in an unthreatening environment. Look out for rabbit droppings and plant damage if you’re unsure of their presence. Rabbit pellets are as small as a pea and they may appear in small piles or spread around.

Make your garden less appealing to rabbits

Rabbits live in areas that provide them with cover and protection from predators. It’s common to find them living in low-growing shrubs, tall grasses, brush piles, underneath sheds, porches and other structures. To deter rabbits, clean up any brush piles and keep tall grasses short by mowing. Also consider blocking access under structures on your property. You can also be careful when it comes to choosing plants for your garden. Plant things rabbits are not likely to eat. You can find a list of these plants here.

What if things get out of control?

Rabbits are known for the speed in which they reproduce. Because of a one month gestation period, rabbits can become a problem quick. If your garden or farm is overrun with rabbits, contact the professionals at CimeX Control for help. We have proven methods to remove small mammals, like rabbits, from your property. At CimeX Control, we tailor our plans to each pest problem, making sure we remove critters the first time. Call us at (602) 688-4985 or send us a message at ftorres@cimexcontrol.com.

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When Gophers Have Got To Go

Gophers, a variety of burrowing rodent, are common in the western two-thirds of the United States. They’re also referred to as ground squirrels. These little creatures eat up flowers, vegetables and make a general mess out of many homeowners’ lawns. Gophers can also pose a threat to farm or commercial property. Here’s how you know it’s time to serve the gophers on your property an eviction notice.

How to know you have gophers

If your plants remain in a half-eaten state for days, your probably have gophers. They do not make tunnels that are visible, but they do go into feeding frenzies. People sometimes mistake gophers for moles and choose the wrong treatment. Moles are actually keener on eating shrubs and earthworms than gophers usual diet of bulbs, roots, seeds, and vegetables that grow underground.

Another way to determine if a gopher is present is to check for mounds of dirt on the surface of the ground. The mounds are made as a gopher tunnels through the soil in search of food. These moundes are less extensive than mole tunnels but they are typically larger in diameter and tend to be deeper.

What’s the best way to get rid of gophers?

At CimeX Control, we help our pest control clients in the Phoenix area get rid of gophers with the Burrow X. This smokes the gophers while their in the tunnel. Some gopher problems call for different solutions, but we always find a way.

Contact CimeX Control for a free inspection. We build relationships with our clients so they feel free to communicate with us about their unique challenges. We also tailor our plans to each pest problem, making sure we remove critters the first time. Call us at (602) 688-4985 or send us a message at ftorres@cimexcontrol.com.

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COVID-19 Notice To Clients

In response to the recent outbreak of the coronavirus, we wanted to share the extra measures we have made internally to minimize any risk to customers and employees. The health and safety of our customers is our top priority, not only during these concerning times with the spread of COVID-19, but always. Our team is prepared to continue business as usual while taking precautionary measures to ensure we can navigate situations safely.

We have implemented the following:

  • We will double our hand sanitation process before and after each service.
  • We will wear gloves for the duration of all services.
  • To comply with social distancing and inform our customers when we arrive for service, we will knock on doors and take 6-8 steps back.
  • As a reminder, on regular visits we only need to treat the exterior of the home to help prevent pests from entering. We will, however, treat the interior upon request and wear a face mask/respirator for any inside services provided.

We sincerely hope that you and your family are safe during this time. If there is anything we can do to help please don’t hesitate to reach out via text, email or phone.

Read what Governor Ducey clarified as essential services here: https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2020/03/governor-ducey-issues-executive-order-detailing-essential-services

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Now Hiring: Pest Control Technician

CimeX Control Pest Management is a fast paced, rapidly growing and award winning, local pest control company offering valley businesses and residents safe & reliable pest control solutions, including termites, bed bugs, scorpions, and all common pests.  Our team uses advanced technology to document pest findings and activity, best pest management practices to apply pesticides in a safe and effective manner and excellent communication skills to communicate with clients. 


Our team believes in the power of relationships. We believe that the relationships with our customers are key; we place an emphasis on service, avoid pushy sales tactics, and spend time connecting with our customers. We believe that having great relationships between team members is essential; We believe that relationships with family and friends are a priority; we keep evening work to a minimum, have very little weekend work, and include families in events.

Pest Control Technician – Identify potential and actual pest problems, conduct inspections, meet with clients to explain pest issues.  Design control strategies, while managing day to day managerial tasks. Identify opportunities to sell services to new accounts, (Residential, Commercial, Apartment, HOA, and Industrial).  Provide Pest Control solutions to current clients outside the approved scope and sell the services. Time management a must.

PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN RESPONSIBILITY:

  • Spray, bait, and trap to control pests in and around properties.
  • Control roaches, ants, scorpions, and any general pests, using industry approved chemical treatments.
  • Inspect for Rodents, Termites, and any wildlife outside the normal scope.
  • Receive work orders and work requests, determine nature of the problem and undertake necessary actions, such as inspecting property, determining issues and implementing the most effective solution.
  • Ensure safety of all clients and workers while performing duties.
  • Communicate with clients on what is being done, (timeline and treatment) and what they can do to help, (keep pets indoors, move plants, etc.)
  • Operate spraying equipment, bait gun, and various power and hand tools in performance of duties.
  • Keep vehicles washed, cleaned, equipped, and maintained to company standards.
  • Maintains records and files and prepares reports on activities.
  • Maintain knowledge of applicable laws, rules and regulations governing pesticide application.
  • Maintain all MSDS Sheets.
  • Maintain required CEU’s for License (Educational events) – All technicians are required to attend industry seminars throughout the year to keep updated on current trends and product usage
  • Time Management – Schedule appointments in a geographical manner using company software to maximize efficiency and productivity.
  • Inspect all CimeX Control Equipment daily to ensure it is kept clean, safe, and operational. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: While experience is a plus, it is not mandatory.  We will provide full training if hired without experience.

 

  • Thorough knowledge of the common practices, tools and terminology used to control pests
  • Thorough knowledge of the use and characteristics of pesticides
  • Thorough knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions associated with the work
  • Ability to work from sketches, drawings, plans or specifications
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions
  • Ability to apply pesticides chemicals in accordance with established regulations and to read, understand and follow chemical label instructions
  • Ability to perform mathematical calculations to estimate materials and time needed to complete task
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with a diverse population
  • Skilled in the use of tools and equipment necessary to perform tasks

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Standing, walking, climbing, carrying equipment, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, handling, pushing, and pulling. Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS:

Must be in possession of a

  • Valid AZ driver’s license, with a good driving record for at least 5 years
  • All technicians must become State Certified in pest control and/or termites by the Arizona State Pest Control Commission within 90 days of employment
  • All team members are subject to a drug test, and they must not have a criminal record (felony or DUI convictions).

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

  • Paid Training
  • Medical and Dental benefits
  • Paid Vacation and PST
  • Paid Holiday’s
  • All equipment provided
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Safely Removing Wasp Nests

Some varieties of wasps build nests under porches and around homes. As wasp stings can be painful and sometimes dangerous, this is not where you want to find them. This is especially important if you have kids or if someone in your home has an allergy to wasp stings. Here’s how to safely get rid of a wasp nest if you find one near your home.

Identifying a wasp nest

If there is a nest under your porch, you are likely dealing with a paper wasp. Some wasp nests are similar to bees, which require different removal techniques. It’s important to be certain the nest you’re removing is a wasp nest. How do you identify a paper wasp nest? The nests are round, umbrella-shaped cones attached by a stalk to a surface. Wasp choose to hand their nests in many places, including: tree branches, porch ceilings, attics, window corners, and the inside of grills or hose reels. A pest control professional can help you identify the nest if you are unsure.

How to remove the wasp nest

The queen is key to the survival of the wasp colony. If you try to spray, knock down or dismantle the nest, the wasps will sense an attack and protect their queen. The only defense a wasp has is its stings. When removing a nest on your own, you are placing yourself in the path of dozens of wasps. Since each wasp can sting multiple times, you are placing yourself in danger. This is why our pest control professionals recommend you do not try to remove a wasp nest on your own.

A pest control professional can help you determine the type of nest on your property and safely remove the nest. Need help removing a hive? Call us at (602) 688-4985 or send us a message at ftorres@cimexcontrol.com.

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All About Bees: The Harmful And Harmless

Bees are an important part of the ecosystem, but they can also be harmful. Some varieties are cute, while others are frightening. A bee sting may be a serious risk to someone’s health and not a big deal to another person. There’s no debating it – bees are a peculiar type of insect. Here’s a few interesting facts about bees and bee removal.

What type of bees can sting me?

While there are many types of bees, but some of the most common in the United States are the honey bee, carpenter bee, and the bumble bee. All of these bees can sting you, but a single sting won’t seriously harm most people unless they are allergic.

Queen and worker bumble bees can sting, and because their stingers lack barbs, the bees can sting repeatedly without hurting themselves. These bees are not usually aggressive, but they may attack in defense of their hive. Honey bees have a barbed stinger that gets stuck in the flesh, and because of this they die after they sting someone. Female carpenter bees have stingers that can be quite painful, but they are not aggressive and rarely sting anyone.

Are bees aggressive?

Bees do not inherently want to hurt people. Most of them behave aggressively to defend their nest or hive. This is why it’s so important to have professionals remove beehives. Pest control professionals have the tools needed to do so safely.

Carpenter bees, which often live in fences, appear to be aggressive, though they rarely sting people. They will hover around the entrance to their hive in an effort to scare away potential threats. Carpenter bees are also known to dive-bomb threats by swooping down and acting aggressive.

Which bees pollinate flowers?

Many species of bees pollinate flowers, but you have most likely seen a bumble bee flying around your garden, hanging out in the flowers during the warmer months. These master pollinators are black and yellow, larger bees that obsessively seek out flowers in search of pollen and nectar. Other than the honey bee, they are likely the second biggest pollinators and are very important to the planet’s overall ecosystem.

Many people think the bumble bee’s large size and furry body makes them the cutest type of bee. We’d have to agree! Whether you are a fan of bees or not, it’s best to make sure any hives are far away from your home. You could accidentally disturb a hive and have a real problem on your hands. Need help removing a hive? Call us at (602) 688-4985 or send us a message at ftorres@cimexcontrol.com.

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Signs of rat infestations

Rats stay away from humans if possible. These rodents are secretive. Unless you have a high population in your home, you may not see the rat itself. You have to look for signs elsewhere. Signs of rat infestation include rat droppings, dirt, and grease marks on floorboards and walls.

Mice vs. Rat – Who Causes More Damage?

If you have mice or rats in your home, the damage can be significant. You should have a professional pest control specialist address the situation before you face costly damage. Both rodents can gnaw on various structures and wires in your home. This can cause fire hazards. Mice have smaller, weaker teeth than rats, which means mice can not break through the food containers a rat could. Rats have been known to gnaw through building materials such as aluminum, wood, glass, sheet metal and cinder blocks.

Rats and health hazards

Rats can transmit harmful diseases if they bite or scratch a human or a human comes into contact with droppings or urine around the home. Rats have been known to contaminate food and run across counter tops where food is later prepared. This can lead to contamination and disease. Rats carry: Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, Black Plague, Salmonellosis and more.

Getting rid of rats

To avoid disease and structural damage of your home, take steps to remove rats from the home as soon as you can. Consult a pest control professional for help. If you believe you have a rat infestation, contact us for a free inspection. Most homeowners prefer not to deal with rats up close, so we take care of the problem. We also tailor our plans to each pest problem, making sure we remove critters the first time. Call us at (602) 688-4985 or send us a message at ftorres@cimexcontrol.com.

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Removing Mice From The Home

Prevention is always best in pest control. Because mice can cause so much damage, we want to give you a few ways to reduce the likeliness of mice entering your home in the first place. If you’re one of the brave souls willing to face mice on your own, here’s a few things you need to know to get rid of mice.

Eliminate points of entry

Rodent-proofing your home is an effective way to stop a mice infestation from expanding or occurring in the first place. Eliminating points of entry will help you defend your home or business. This is difficult, as mice can squeeze into even the smallest of openings. If you can fit a pencil into a hold, crack or other opening, a mouse can squeeze through it.

Seal cracks in the wall or foundation of your home, especially where utility pipes and vents occur. You can use steel wool or caulking. Avoid using sealants like rubber, plastic, wood or other materials. Mice can easily gnaw through them. Use weather stripping for door and window gaps.

Use mouse traps

If you have an existing infestation, you will need to use some sort of mouse trap. Classic, wooden snap traps will do the trick for moderate mouse populations. It may be necessary to lay several traps to catch just one mouse.Try laying different types of traps, like bait traps or multiple-capture live traps. This practice will give you a better chance of catching several mice.

Keep your place clean

While good sanitation won’t get rid of a mice problem, poor sanitation can attract one. Mice can survive on 3 to 4 grams of food a day. A few crumbs here and there can sustain a moderate population of mice. To keep mice at bay, vacuum your floors and wipe down counters, eliminating food residue. Mice have sharp teeth, so they can chew through almost anything. Plastic bags are no match for mice. Store food in air-tight containers to reduce the likelihood of mice getting inside.

If your pest situation becomes serious, which often happens with mice, you can contact us for a free inspection. Most homeowners prefer not to deal with mice up close, so we take care of the problem for them. We also tailor our plans to each pest problem, making sure we remove critters the first time. Call us at (602) 688-4985 or send us a message at ftorres@cimexcontrol.com.

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Dealing With Spiders In The Home

Most spiders enjoy living outdoors, but some find their way inside in search of food and shelter. The easiest way to get rid of spiders is to prevent their entrance in the first place. By taking a few simple steps, you can prevent a serious spider infestation. Here’s a few ways to prevent and deal with spiders in the home.

Ways to deter spiders from the perimeter of your home

The best way to prevent infestation is to seal up your home. Patch cracks and holes leading from the outside in to prevent spiders from sneaking inside your home. Use caulk to fill in gaps of space in closed windows and doors. Fix torn window screens, as spiders can fit through even the smallest of holes.

You should also remove vegetation from the perimeter of your home. If you have a significant problem with spiders, you may need to transplant shrubs, ivy, trees and other plants near your home to the opposite side of the yard. Spiders are attracted to vegetation as it provides ample hiding spots When they need to find warmth or food, they crawl out of vegetation and head toward your home.

Peppermint oil spray

Spiders cannot tolerate peppermint oil. They hate the smell and will run in the opposite direction when they detect it! You can create a simple spray by mixing in 15 to 20 drops of peppermint oil with water in a bottle. Apply the spray to possible entrances spiders might use to come inside your home.

Pest control methods

One of the best ways to reduce the amount of spiders in your home is to vacuum up egg sacs and webs as you find them. This method may not work if you have a large amount of spiders in your home, but it will help get rid of a few. If you have a serious spider infestation, call a professional exterminator for help.

Contact our professionals at CimeX pest control for help. We perform free inspections upon request. We also tailor our plans to each pest problem, making sure we remove critters the first time. Call us at (602) 688-4985 or send us a message at ftorres@cimexcontrol.com.

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How To Tackle A Silverfish Infestation

Silverfish are pretty harmless to humans and pets, but they are not a pleasant houseguest. These silvery creatures love to stay in cold, damp places like basements or underneath bathroom sinks. If you have spotted one of these bugs lurking in your house, or know that you have an infestation, we have a few tips preventative tips you can use to keep these insects away from your home.

Why are silverfish in your home?

Silverfish, like most pests, invade homes because there is an abundance of food and lack of predators. Homes also have plenty of dark, damp hiding places for them to nest. All of these benefits combined make for a silverfish paradise. If you have a basement, you are more likely to have a silverfish infestation at some point.

Preventative steps

There are various methods of removing silverfish, but you should use a mix of preventative steps and extermination methods. If you have an area of concern, and think silverfish may be nearby, spread cedar shavings around the area. They do not like the smell and will avoid those areas. Silverfish, like many insects, also cannot stand the odor of lemon and lavender. Buy either oil, dilute in a bottle of water and spray the mixture in areas likely to attract silverfish. These areas may include sinks, cupboards and the edges of rooms.

To keep silverfish from making home inside your living space, decrease the humidity in your home. Silverfish love to stay in moist, humid places. Use a dehumidifier, close your shower curtain so it can dry out and fix leaky pipes. Also be sure to store food properly. Store foods like cereal, pasta, sugar and pet food in airtight containers.
Squashing silverfish infestations

If you have spotted silverfish slithering around your home, we can help you remove them. Contact our professionals at CimeX pest control for help. We perform free inspections upon request. We also tailor our plans to each pest problem, making sure we remove critters the first time. Call us at (602) 688-4985 or send us a message at ftorres@cimexcontrol.com.