Direct Hit Pest Control Blog

Spring in Sacramento brings blooming flowers, lush trees, and unfortunately, a surge of annoying ants. As the temperatures rise, these little critters become increasingly active, and certain species can turn from a minor nuisance into a full-blown pest problem. Here’s what you need to know about some of the most common and invasive ant species to watch out for this spring: Argentine ants, carpenter ants, odorous house ants, and pharaoh ants. When you need pest control services in Sacramento or the surrounding towns, contact Direct Hit Pest Control . Argentine Ants Argentine ants are notorious for their rapid spread and high population densities. These small, light-to-medium sized ants are easily recognized by their uniform light brown color. In Sacramento’s warm spring, they can quickly invade homes, outcompeting native species. Argentine ants form massive colonies with multiple queens and are attracted to sweet substances, making kitchens and dining areas a prime target. Their persistence means that if you see a few, you might be looking at an infestation that requires professional management. Carpenter Ants Carpenter ants differ from their Argentine cousins in both appearance and behavior. Larger and darker, these ants are known for their wood-damaging tendencies. Instead of consuming wood like termites, carpenter ants excavate galleries in wooden structures to build their nests. In older homes, especially those with some exterior damage or decay, carpenter ants can pose a serious threat. Regular inspection and prompt repair of any wood damage are key to preventing these ants from establishing a home in your property. Odorous House Ants True to their name, odorous house ants emit a distinctive, rotten coconut-like odor when crushed. These tiny ants are common in urban settings, where they forage for food in kitchens and bathrooms. Their presence can be a sign of food residue or moisture issues inside the house. Keeping surfaces clean and storing food in sealed containers can effectively deter these pests. Pharaoh Ants Pharaoh ants are small, yellowish, and particularly troublesome in warm environments. They are known for establishing numerous small colonies that are hard to eradicate. In spring, these ants can infiltrate buildings, especially hospitals and apartment complexes, where sanitation challenges make them hard to control. Due to their ability to quickly spread, professional pest control is often the best course of action when pharaoh ants are detected. Pest Control in Sacramento Direct Hit Pest Control provides professional residential and commercial pest control in Sacramento, Rio Linda, and the surrounding California communities. Our team has more than 30 years of pest control experience, giving us the knowledge and know-how to provide the highest quality services. We routinely help our clients with insect infestation and prevention. If something unwanted is living in your trees, yard, or under your roof, it’s best to let a professional pest control technician remove it so you don’t put yourself at risk of bites or other injuries. To request an estimate or more information about pest control in Sacramento, give our friendly team a call at (916) 992-6870 today.

If you’ve been battling pesky aphids around your home, you know how quickly these pests can ruin your trees. The sticky residue left on your driveway, patio, or car can be a major hassle to clean up. Fortunately, systemic soil injections are a highly effective solution to control these destructive insects. These injections work by delivering targeted, long-lasting protection directly into the soil, where the plant’s roots absorb the treatment and distribute it throughout the foliage. This method not only helps to eliminate the current infestation but also fortifies your trees against future outbreaks. When you need pest control services in Sacramento or the surrounding towns, contact Direct Hit Pest Control . What Are the Benefits? Systemic soil injections offer several benefits over traditional spraying methods. First, they provide a consistent level of protection over time, meaning you won’t have to reapply treatments as frequently. This translates into lower labor costs and less disruption to your daily routine. Moreover, because the material is taken up internally by the plant, there’s a reduced risk of drift, ensuring that non-target areas remain unaffected. This targeted approach is particularly important in urban and suburban areas of Sacramento. Another advantage of systemic treatments is their ability to reach hard-to-access areas of the plant that external sprays might miss. Aphids, whiteflies, and other sucking insects often hide on the undersides of leaves and in tight crevices, but once the plant absorbs the material, every part of it gets protected from the inside out. Get Treatments Early Winter is the time to start preventive treatment. Cooler temperatures and dormant plant growth mean that systemic injections can be absorbed more efficiently by the roots, establishing a protective barrier well before pests become active in the warmer months. Applying treatment during winter also minimizes the risk of interfering with beneficial insect populations, as many are less active during the cold season. Neonicitine Law As of January 1, 2025, A new California law now prohibits unlicensed individuals from purchasing and applying neonicotinoid-based products, which are commonly used in systemic injections. This law ensures that only trained professionals handle these potent materials, reducing the risk of environmental contamination and ensuring safe, effective application practices. Direct Hit Pest Control is licensed to use neonicotinoid-based products. Pest Control in Sacramento Direct Hit Pest Control provides professional residential and commercial pest control in Sacramento, Rio Linda, and the surrounding California communities. Our team has more than 30 years of pest control experience, giving us the knowledge and know-how to provide the highest quality services. We routinely help our clients with insect infestation and prevention. If something unwanted is living in your trees, yard, or under your roof, it’s best to let a professional pest control technician remove it so you don’t put yourself at risk of bites or other injuries. To request an estimate or more information about pest control in Sacramento, give our friendly team a call at (916) 992-6870 today.