In nature, termites are exceedingly important detrivores, organisms that obtain their nutrients through organic compounds like wood, leaves, and even feces. Were it not for them, our world would be covered, several feet deep in these leftover materials. However, their "services" are not needed in our homes and businesses. In fact, due to their cellulose based diet, which includes not only wood, but other building materials such as fiberboard, termites cause more destruction than all types of natural disasters combined.
While there are many species of roach, the most common in the St. Louis area is the German Cockroach. Rarely seen outdoors, they find their way into homes and business through cracks and crevices, vents and drain pipes. In addition, we unwittingly carry them in ourselves, in boxes, grocery bags and even purses. Being nocturnal and egg producing offers natural protection from insecticides, which makes it easy for them to invade a home or business quickly. Roaches tend to take up residence in dirty environments that have easily-accessed food sources nearby.
Although referred to as "bed bugs, " these tiny insects tend to make their nest in places with cracks and crevices, hiding in wood trim or behind wallpaper and picture frames. Bed bugs are parasites that feed on warm-blooded animals, including humans, and are frequently found in mattresses, box springs and bed frames, hence the name. They are usually carried into a home or business, catching a ride in luggage, backpacks, or boxes. They typically come out a night to feed and you should not wait take care of the issue.
Squirrels are small rodents and they vary in size, ranging from 6-12 inches in body length. St. Louis has a lot of squirrels and, for the most part, they add an element of charm to the many parks in our city. Sometimes, however, they nest in the attics or tight spots of our homes and businesses, where they quickly become a problem. When they get into your house, it's usually to set up a nest. They generally gain access to homes and businesses by way of tree limbs in need of trimming, making their way in through vents or chimneys.
Several types of ants are common to the Midwest: The Odorous House Ant, The Pavement Ant, The Black Carpenter Ant, and The Pharaoh Ant. The most likely perpetrator of household infestation in the St. Louis area is The Odorous House Ant. Like Pavement Ants, they are black. But unlike Pavement Ants, who only come inside to forage for food, Odorous House Ants nest indoors, making them more difficult to control. One way to identify which of these two varieties you are dealing with is their odor when crushed.
Wild animals are beautiful - except when they come indoors or cause damage to your home, office, and/or property. Cogent Pest Elimination removes wildlife with our no-kill/catch-and-release solutions. And, one price guarantees the problem is gone; Cogent Pest Elimination offers an unlimited catch price which means no per-animal catch fees that can quickly add up! We'll take care of the problem - without harming the animal. We'll also provide a free, temporary close-up to prevent further wildlife problems while you arrange for a permanent, structural fix.
About 60% of our business comes from serving people in their own homes. Rest assured, we take that responsibility seriously and are professional in everything we do. And that begins with professional attire, complete with foot coverings to protect your floors. Professionalism also includes realizing that every situation is different. So, we offer several programs depending not only on your pest issue, but also your budget. Being professional also means being thorough, which is why all of our general pest treatments include service in the basement and exterior of your home.
Although certain pest problems can be eradicated with a single treatment, keeping your business pest-free often requires ongoing maintenance. So we may strongly recommend a specific level of continued maintenance for your protection. In other situations, we may simply tailor the treatment plan to your budget and comfort level. Because very situation is different, we offer several different plans. What you choose is up to you. So whether you have a spider, ant, termite, or mole problem, we can design a maintenance plan designed just for your business.
In addition to guaranteeing our work, we'll also recommend any home or business repairs that will block entry points for wildlife. That's what you'd expect from a professional pest control company; and it's the only way we do business at Cogent.
Cogent Pest Elimination provides full service pest control solutions to residential and commercial customers throughout the St. Louis area.