Pest Control in South Bozeman, Montana

What does the edge of town mean for pest work?

Where a subdivision meets open ground, the foundation is the line that matters most. Insects and mice travel along the edge of the lawn and the strip of landscaping, then find a gap where the siding meets the concrete. The inspection walks that strip first.

Landscaping close to the house is often newer and shallow, which can leave soil and mulch touching the siding. A technician will recommend clearing that contact, because it gives insects a path to the wall.

Which houses on the south side need a crawl space check?

Some houses on the south side may have crawl spaces rather than full basements. A crawl space is more open to moisture and harder to see into, so the technician checks the vents, the access hatch and the wood near the soil.

A crawl space that has no barrier over the soil, or that is damp after rain, is noted in the report. The report explains what it means and what the homeowner can change, such as the downspouts and the grade.

How do detached garages and sheds fit into the plan?

Larger lots on the south side often have a detached garage or shed at the back, and these can hold firewood, pet food, stored feed or cardboard. Those items draw mice and insects, and the shed is inspected with the same care as the house.

The technician checks the door seals and the gap under the shed door, and recommends where stored material should be moved away from the wall.

What should a south-side homeowner check after a visit?

The report lists the entry points found and the ones the homeowner can seal, such as a worn door sweep or a gap around a utility line. Those jobs are often inexpensive, and they reduce the number of visits needed.

Keep window wells clear and check the foundation each spring and fall. A short walk around the house with the report in hand is usually enough to see whether a new gap has opened.

MSU Extension reports that hobo spiders are prevalent in Montana basements, lower levels and window wells from August through November, and the Montana Department of Agriculture describes a fall rise in deer mouse numbers. On the south side, the window wells and the lower-level walls are where the spider check and the mouse check meet, so one visit can cover both. The report separates the spider findings from the rodent findings so each can be followed up on its own schedule.