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Ants under rocks

You may not notice, but bugs are already starting to come out around your house they may just be hiding where you can’t see them.
If you would like some help with pest control or yard care this season we would love to help you out. Message us for a free quote or check out our website for more great tips:

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The fun in Spring

I got a video of my kid holding a little bird just showing the beauty of Springtime.
If you would like some help with pest control or yard care this season we would love to help you out. Message us for a free quote or check out our website for more great tips:

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My Grass Looks Like Wheat. Help!

Every spring we at Bamboo Servicing receive several calls from distressed customers who say that their grass looks like wheat.  By this they mean that their grass is split at the end, revealing seeds that look like wheat stocks. Some people wonder if their grass has a fungus or insect infestation, or if there is something lacking in their Bamboo Lawn Care treatment plan.

Is This Normal?

The good news is that this process of grass seeding is completely normal. Like most other living things, grass wants to continue the circle of life and reproduce.  It does this by spreading seeds every spring.   Fortunately most grass varieties that make up your lawn are sterile and are unlikely to spread to unwanted areas, unless via root system expansion.

Top Tips to Keep Grass From Looking Like Wheat

There isn’t much we can do from a fertilizing standpoint to reduce the chances of your grass looking like wheat for a few weeks each year around late spring. However, there are things that you can do as a homeowner to help prevent this seeding somewhat, although you will likely still experience some seeding on your lawn.

  • Water frequently. Make sure you are watering frequently enough and for long enough cycles. Without enough water, the seeds may become dehydrated and turn a little yellow or brown. This can greatly reduce the lush, green look of your lawn that the experts at Bamboo Lawn Care are working with you to create.
  • Mow often. Mow your lawn often but do not take too much grass off at one time. As a general rule, don’t mow off more than one third of the blade of grass at one time. Also make sure that your mower blade is sharp.  Both of these lawn mowing techniques can help reduce grass blade splitting, which can result in your grass looking like wheat and turning brown or yellow at the edges.

Conclusion

If you don’t take the above precautions, it may prompt the grass to seed faster and have a longer seeding season. For more information on reducing the chances of having your grass look like wheat, as well as other Utah lawn care tips, contact the professionals at Bamboo Lawn Care.

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Pest Control Near Me: What’s The Big Difference?

Whether you have done a simple Google search for “pest control near me”, or you have had a pest control salesman knock on your door, you’ve probably noticed that nearly all companies claim that they are the best. So which pest control company in Pleasant Grove, UT and the surrounding areas really is the best? How can you know? What are the big differences anyway?

Consider these key insights for sifting through all the messaging to find out which pest control company near you really is the best fit for your needs.

Questions to Ask

1. What’s Your Pest Control Specialty?

Whether you have a mice infestation or a wasp infestation, you want to hire someone who has ample experience eradicating that specific type of pest. Most companies provide general extermination services, meaning that they are equipped to handle most types of pests in residential and commercial settings.

There are a few companies, such as Bee and Wasp Control (a subsidiary company of Bamboo Pest Control) that specialize in one specific type of pest. If you’re looking for something specific, be sure to ask.

2. How Much Does It Cost?

One of the biggest factors that may determine which Pleasant Grove, UT pest control company you decide to hire is the price. Most companies base their pricing on a home’s square footage, with larger homes costing more to spray with pest control products. The average price range is typically about $65-$120 per service. When conducting a search for exterminators near you, ask about discounts and special promotions.

3. What Products Do You Use?

There are only a handful of professional-grade pest control products that most companies rotate through. These products are typically much more effective than something you could get without a pest control license at a home improvement store.

That being said, if a company tells you that their products are 100 times better than those used by other companies, chances are they don’t have proprietary rights to a magic formula. What’s more important is that they have the right knowledge and tools to effectively use the commercial-grade products that they are licensed to use.

Search for a pest control company in Pleasant Grove, UT that uses eco-friendly products that are kid and pet-safe. At Bamboo, we use several products that are derived from essential oils or that are composed of pyrethroids. Pyrethroid insecticides are synthetically produced from an organic compound similar to natural pyrethrins, which are derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethroid insecticides have extremely low toxicity levels for mammals and they biodegrade quickly. Our pest products are some of the safest on the market today.

4. Am I Signing A Contract?

Chances are, most pest control companies near you will encourage you to sign a one-year contract. Although there are many benefits to having regular control pest services, you may be wary of being locked into a contract. What if the company plays hardball with you and won’t let you stop your services even if you lose your job or move, without paying a hefty cancelation fee?

One good way to get a glimpse of other customers’ experiences with canceling is to read through the company’s Google Reviews. As can be seen by Bamboo’s reviews, we strive for exceptional customer service and great relationships with our customers. We are willing to make exceptions to our service agreements for extraneous circumstances. You receive our money back guarantee if we aren’t able to resolve your pest problems in a timely manner. We even offer free services in between regular service visits if needed in order to fulfill our end of the service agreement.

5. Will You Take Better Care of Me Than Other Pest Control Companies Near Me?

Customer service is key. Look for an exterminator in Pleasant Grove, UT that will get to know you as a person rather than as a dollar sign. A good company will ask you what you need specifically. They will provide you with a customized service plan, and be willing to make the accommodations that you request. These may include providing indoor services when asked, spraying the playset, or skipping winter services. Again, check out a company’s reviews for insights on how pest control companies near you treat their customers.

Contact Bamboo Pest Control

You won’t regret adding Bamboo to the top of your “Pest Control Companies Near Me” list. Contact us at 385-429-2847 for a free estimate.

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Sprinkler Tips for Greener Grass All Summer

As we head into the hotter months of summer, we sometimes get calls from our Bamboo lawn care customers who are concerned that their fertilization program is no longer working. They begin to see patches of yellow or brown grass throughout their lawn. They wonder if these “dead spots” are caused by insects, a fungus, or inadequate nutrition. The reality is, however, that a good fertilization program almost always results in greener grass unless one vital component is missing: proper watering. Consider the following sprinkler tips in conjunction with your regular fertilization program for greener grass all summer long.

1. Increase the Watering Time

If your grass is turning yellow or brown, the most likely scenario is that it needs more water. Some signs of dehydration include when your grass feels dry and crispy to the touch, looks dull and matted, or does not spring back quickly when stepped on. If this is the case, the number one sprinkler tip is to increase the watering time. Since every lawn and sprinkler system is different, it is difficult to give a one size fits all answer to what works best. However, many homeowners find that watering each zone for 10-20 minutes, every other day works well.  As it gets hotter, you many need to water every day, and for longer amounts of time in each zone.

2. Water When It’s Coolest

It is best to water your lawn when temperatures are cooler so that the water can be absorbed by the grass roots before it evaporates. You may choose to water your lawn in the evening or first thing in the morning. Watering in the middle of the night is also a great option as long as your lawn is treated with a fungicide, like we use at Bamboo Servicing. Otherwise, you risk the chance of disease due the blades of grass being wet for prolonged periods of time. Watering your lawn in the middle of the day could result in grass burn from the water refracting the sunlight and causing your grass to turn brown.

3. Make Regular Adjustments

The sprinkler adjustments that you made when it was 60 degrees outside likely will not cut it for when it is 90 degrees outside.  One often forgotten sprinkler tip is that you will likely need to readjust your sprinkler heads a few times over the course of the summer to keep up with the changing weather patterns. Not all sprinkler heads are adjustable, but if yours is, you may notice a single-slotted screw at the center of the head. Use a flat-head screwdriver to turn the adjustment screw clockwise or counter clockwise to increase or reduce the arc of the spray.

You many also need to raise or lower the sprinkler head to direct the water at dead spots. It is best to check with your sprinkler head manufacturer for specific instructions on how to adjust the heads properly. If you are unsure of how to get your sprinklers to reach a specific dry area, we recommend calling a Utah sprinkler repair company, such as our friends at A1 Sprinklers.

Conclusion

If you want the greenest and most lush lawn on the block, you will need to follow a combination of fertilization, maintenance, and sprinkler advice. With a little effort, Bamboo Servicing can help you achieve your goals. Contact Bamboo servicing today for top rated pest control, lawn care, and holiday lighting services in Utah and Salt Lake Counties.

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The Most Common Pests in Utah

What are the most common pests in Utah and how can you identify them? The first step in pest eradication is pest identification. Keep in mind that not all pests need to be eradicated. Some pests are helpful and should be left alone. By learning some basic characteristics of pests, you will have a better understanding of pest prevention techniques to keep your home bug free. Below are some of the most common pests in Utah.

Ants

Ants come in different sizes and shapes. They are members of colonies that consist of a queen and many, many workers. They are tiny insects that many come into your house in large numbers in search of food and shelter. The best strategy for keeping ants out of your home is to keep food stored in airtight containers and spraying a pest control barrier around the outside of your home. Organic pest control methods such as spraying vinegar can also be effective against ants on a small scale.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are winged but flightless insects with six legs and two antennae. They like staying in cracks and crevices, especially around the kitchen and drainage because of the food sources. They cause infestations very quickly because they like staying in germ-infested areas like sewer pipes. Reduce your chances of seeing cockroaches in your home by keeping your home clean. Without proper home hygiene habits such as taking the trash out regularly and keeping dirty dishes out of the sink, conventional pest control methods will prove ineffective against cockroaches.

Termites

Termites are wood boring insects that rarely go outdoors. They stay inside wood structures and build tunnels there. The best way to identify the presence of termites near you is by looking for burrows in the wood. You can reduce the risk of a termite infestation by keeping rotting wood away from your home. Severe termite infestations require expensive pest control interventions such as tenting a home. It is best to avoid drastic measures by checking for wood carving piles, small pinpoint holes in drywall, and wood that feels hollow when you knock on it.

Bedbugs

Bedbugs are small, flat, oval insects. They hang out in cracks and crevices, and especially in beds. Young bedbugs are white or tan before feeding on blood. After feeding, their color changes to reddish-brown. A tall tell sign of bedbugs often includes itchy blood spots on your skin and corresponding blood spots on your bed sheets. The cleanliness of your home is a leading factor in whether or not you may have a bed bug infestation.

Rodents

Rodents such as mice and voles easily make the list for the most common pests in Utah. They come in different sizes, some small, others big, but they cause the same level of destruction. Rodents have large front teeth that they use for chewing. You can detect their fecal matter and chewed residue in areas they visit. If you have a vole problem, you will also probably notice burrowed paths on your grass. Mice and other rodents transmit diseases and are better kept away from human habitats. Keep rodents away from unwanted areas by properly sealing entrances to your home, keeping your house clean, and setting out traps or bait stations for occasional intruders.

Spiders

Spiders are often found in dark and undisturbed areas. They come in different shapes, colors, and sizes with standard features being the fangs, eight legs, and antennae. Spiders are wingless, but most of them can move quickly because they are fast runners. They rarely go indoors except in search of other pests for food. While spiders can be an effective form of pest control against other smaller pests, they are typically unwanted guests inside your home.  Keep them out by eliminating other pests indoors and maintaining a pest control barrier around your home.

Earwigs

Earwigs are common outdoor pests in Utah that are mostly found in gardens or flowerbeds. They have a flat body and two pairs of wings. Their most distinctive feature is the pincers located at the back of the abdomen. They are harmless and will only use the pincers for defense. It is best to leave earwigs alone if they are outdoors and are not bothering anyone.  If they get inside your home, you can gently take them outside by sliding a paper under them. Prevent a potential infestation of earwigs by using a natural or commercial grade pest control product.

Silverfish

Silverfish are small silvery grey pests that live in dark and damp places. Warm and moist areas like the bathroom are common places for them to hide. They are wingless, and most of their activities take place at night. Silverfish are attracted to the starches found in soap, paper, and wall paper glue.  While silverfish are harmless, they can create an annoying infestation if left unchecked. You can get rid of silverfish with bates and other specialized pest control products. You can prevent a future silverfish infestation by reducing the humidity in your home by fixing leaky pipes, using bathroom fans, encouraging proper ventilation, and keeping books and other starchy materials tidy.

Bees and Wasps

Both bees and wasps are distantly related but come from different families. Some species are solitary while others prefer to live in colonies. They have stingers and will use them when they feel threatened. Both undergo a complete metamorphosis, with their larvae having a maggot-like look. Most of their activities are restricted to daytime.  Both bees and wasps can serve helpful purposes, but they are typically unwanted in or around your home.  You can get rid of bees and wasps using low cost, environmentally friendly methods such as spraying vinegar, using moth balls, or spreading cinnamon. For larger bee and wasp problems, it’s a good idea to contact a professional pest control company who can safely eradicate them.

Contact Us

Early identification of common pests in Utah is vital for fast elimination. Contact the bug experts at Bamboo Pest Control for help identifying and eradicating both small and large pest infestations.

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White and Yellow Dandelions: What’s The Difference?

If you are like most people, you’ve wondered what the difference is between white and yellow dandelions. Why do two different weeds have the same name? The truth is, white and yellow dandelions are the same type of weed, just at different stages of development. Both are distraction when you want a green lawn in Utah.

The Dandelion Life Cycle

Dandelions make their way through a distinct life cycle each year. The success of the previous year’s fertilization process increases the number of dandelions that are seen the following year. Dandelions transform in the following ways:

First Springtime Bloom

Dandelions are one of the very first flowers to emerge each spring. These yellow dandelion flowers can provide a crucial food source for beneficial insects such as honeybees, which in turn help to pollinate dandelions. However, dandelions can spread their seeds and pollinate on their own too without outside help.

From Petals to Seeds

Yellow dandelion petals eventually dry out and reveal a seed head. During this transition between being a white and yellow dandelion, the weed looks like a slender green tube on top of a thin stalk. It may have a small tuft of feathery white seeds sticking out. The tube eventually opens to reveal a round head of cotton-like seeds.

Seeds in the Wind

Most people have a common childhood memory of making a wish while blowing dandelion seeds. It only takes a small gust of wind to scatter dandelion seeds all over your lawn, your neighbor’s lawn, or even miles down the road. Since each head contains approximately 100 seeds, one yellow or white dandelion can turn into thousands of dandelions.

Taking Root

After scattered seeds settle into moist soil with plenty of access to sunshine, they germinate and take root. Dandelion roots look similar to long, skinny carrots buried deep underground. Since dandelions are perennials, their roots become longer and harder to remove with each passing year.

How To Get Rid of Dandelions

You can effectively remove dandelions in one of three ways. The most labor intensive option is to pull each dandelion up individually. However, if the entire root is not removed, the dandelion will just grow back. A high quality pre emergent fertilizer early in the spring is the most effective way to stop dandelion growth. If you are already seeing dandelions, a post emergent fertilizer is your best option for disturbing the dandelion growth cycle and increasing your chances of a green lawn that isn’t dotted with yellow or white dandelions.

Conclusion

Now that you know that white and yellow dandelions are the same weed, but at different stages of development, it’s time to do the hard work of keeping dandelions out of your lawn. For more information on how to have the best looking lawn on the block, contact Bamboo Servicing, a top rated provider of green lawns in Utah, at 385-429-2847.

 

Do Dandelions Repel or Attract Bugs

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Do Dandelions Repel or Attract Bugs?

Dandelions are a common sight in many yards and gardens, and while they may be a beloved flower to some, they are also often considered a pesky weed. But do dandelions have any effect on the bug population? In this article, we’ll explore whether dandelions repel or attract bugs and what role they may play in your garden’s ecosystem.

 

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