Cowleys Pest Services Before & After Photos
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Small Opening in the Soffit-Return Allows Birds Access to Home in Cream Ridge, NJ
As this client in Cream Ridge, NJ, was heading to his car, he spotted several birds going in and out of a small gap in his soffit! He searched for a reputable bird removing company on Google, found Bird Solutions by Cowleys, and we were sent out.
As we inspected the property, we determined that the birds were infesting the home via the soffit-return. We even found a ton of nesting debris inside the soffit! First, we carefully removed all the nesting debris out of the soffit. Next, we disinfected the soffit with a solution that targets bird mites. Bird mites are parasites that feed on the blood of birds. When birds leave their nests, the mites are left behind without a suitable host for their next blood meal. They will make their way into a home, and once inside they will take over, climbing all over your walls, ceilings, and beddings. To make matters worse, bird mites are tiny and semi-transparent, so they are extremely difficult to detect. Bird mites are the main reason why extreme care is needed when removing a nest.
To prevent the birds from reinfesting the area we installed Ridge Vent under the soffit-return and then installed sturdy metal flashing over the soffit and the soffit return.
European Hornets Found in the Grill in Cream Ridge, NJ
As we were servicing this property in Cream Ridge, NJ, we noticed a few European hornets swarming around the barbecue grill. As we got closer and opened the grill, we found a HUGE European hornets nest inside of it. The European hornets were actually nesting inside of the grill!
European hornets, also called giant hornets, received their name from its introduction from Europe into the New York area in the 1800s. They are much larger than yellow jackets and, unlike most stinging insects, can be active at night. Their bodies are brown with yellow stripes on their abdomens and have pale faces. European hornets have long bodies and antennae and have two pairs of wings and six legs. European hornets have smooth stingers, so they can sting over and over again. Their sting also carry venom that makes the stings hurt, itch, or swell for about 24 hours.
First, we injected a knockdown aerosol application into the nest. We then waited a few moments, and then injected a knockdown liquid application. Both treatments rapidly exterminate the European hornets. A short while later, we removed the nest and disposed of it properly. The homeowner mentioned that he will dispose of the grill at a later date.
Blown-In Cellulose Insulation Gets Added to Attic in Cream Ridge, NJ
After purchasing his dream home in Cream Ridge, NJ, this customer wanted our Attic Systems team to add blown-in cellulose insulation to his bare attic.
So the first thing we did was remove all the old insulation and properly dispose of them. Next, we air sealed all the gaps and cracks in the attic, which will eliminate air flow between the living space and the attic, improving energy efficiency. We then placed several measuring sticks throughout the attic to ensure that the proper amount of R-value is added to the attic. Lastly, we added over 12 inches of TruSoft blown-in cellulose insulation throughout the attic. Adding TruSoft will fill the attic to its recommended insulation levels, in addition to maximizing home comfort for the owner. TruSoft also has the highest Class-1 fire safety rating, is resistant to mold and pests, is eco-friendly, and optimizes energy usage for year-round peace and savings!
Attic Fan Ruined by Raccoons in Cream Ridge, NJ
This customer in Cream Ridge, NJ, had a problem with a raccoon infesting his attic, so he contacted Little Rascals for help and we were sent out. When we arrived, the owner mentioned that the raccoon was able to gain access into the attic via the attic fan and that he had tried to exclude the area on his own, but it didn't work.
We removed the owners exclusion work and installed a temporary attic fan cover over the attic fan and attached a two-gaited, heavy-duty device to it. The raccoon will have no other way to exit the area, except through our device, which will safely retrieve it. We also installed several baited devices nearby. A short while later, we successfully & safely retrieved the raccoon and relocated it to a new, humane environment.
In order to prevent any future infestations from raccoons, or any nuisance wildlife, we installed an attic fan cover. The attic fan cover is made out of heavy-duty 18 Gauge expanded Galvannealed steel mesh and will not only prevent raccoons from entering the home, but bats, birds, and squirrels too.
Repairing the Woodpecker Damage in Dunellen, NJ
After seeing the amount of damage that woodpeckers were doing to his home, this customer in Dunellen, NJ called Bird Solutions by Cowleys for help and we were sent out. The cost of repairing woodpecker damage can be high and most homeowners' insurance doesn't cover it, since it is considered to be preventable!
First, we focused on the damaged areas and stuffed each one of the holes made by the woodpeckers with stainless steel mesh and then sealed them with waterproof adhesive. Once we that was done we installed sturdy metal flashing over the damaged areas. Lastly, since the homeowner had some leftover paint, we painted over each piece of metal flashing so that it blends in with the color of the home.
Now we need to make sure that the woodpeckers don't come back! In order to accomplish that, we installed an Intimidator in several locations around the entire exterior of the home. The Intimidator reflects the suns rays as the wind spins it around and gives off Ultra Violet "flashes" (ultra violet is a color that birds can see but humans can not). The woodpeckers will relate the UV flashes as a danger and stay away. This is a humane and effective visual deterrent to keep the woodpeckers away from the property as well as prevent them from causing any further damage to the home.