Category: Front Range Pest

Protecting Your Solar Panels in Northern-Central Colorado and Southern Wyoming

Pigeons have discovered that solar panels make ideal nesting spots, but unfortunately, they can cause significant damage to your panels and roof. Birds, especially pigeons, leave behind toxic droppings that accumulate beneath your solar panels, reducing their efficiency and costing you money.

Front Range Pest can help safeguard your investment by installing a wire mesh bird barrier around the perimeter of your panels. This prevents birds and squirrels from getting underneath. Our solution requires no drilling or alterations to your solar panels or roof. The mesh is coated with PVC to prevent rust and offers a discreet, clean appearance.

Our Full-Service Solar Panel Bird Protection Includes:

Front Range Pest is your go-to solution for solar panel pigeon removal in northern-central Colorado and southern Wyoming. Our comprehensive bird control services include:

• Safe and efficient removal of droppings to maintain a cleaner, safer environment.
• Thorough cleanup to keep your solar panels in top condition.
• Custom-cut critter guards made from durable galvanized steel.
• Bird spike installations for humane, effective deterrence from ledges and surfaces.
• Bird netting installations to create a barrier while still allowing air and light flow.
• Optical deterrents and scent treatments to discourage birds from nesting.

Areas We Proudly Serve

Front Range Pest offers residential and commercial pest management services throughout northern-central Colorado and southern Wyoming. Not sure if we service your area? Contact us!

We are Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and southeastern Wyoming’s premier pest and wildlife control company. Our services cater to residential homes, apartments, condos, commercial offices, buildings, and restaurants. We regularly work with realtors, municipalities, and property management companies. No matter your pest issue, Front Range Pest has you covered!

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Front Range Pest is your trusted, family-owned pest and wildlife control company serving central Colorado and southern Wyoming. Our certified technicians have the expertise and credentials to ensure effective pest management for your home or business. As your all-in-one insect and wildlife specialists, we offer peace of mind by identifying wildlife entry points, removing nuisance pests, sealing access areas, performing cleanup, and making essential repairs. Schedule an inspection with us today.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Many homeowners have attempted DIY pest control solutions, from homemade bug-repellent sprays to baited five-gallon buckets for mice. While these methods may provide temporary relief, they are often time-consuming, costly, and ultimately ineffective in preventing long-term infestations. When it comes to safeguarding your home, office, or commercial space, hiring a professional pest control company—such as Front Range Pest—offers a more efficient and reliable solution, especially for recurring pest issues.

What Is Recurring Pest Control?

Recurring pest control is a proactive treatment plan tailored to your home or business’s specific needs. Unlike one-time treatments, which may only address the immediate problem, recurring services focus on long-term pest prevention. Rather than following a rigid schedule, these treatments adapt to seasonal pest activity and the unique conditions of your property, ensuring pests are managed before they become a serious issue.

A professional pest control provider will regularly inspect, monitor, and adjust treatments to keep your space pest-free. This approach not only eliminates existing pests but also prevents future infestations from taking hold.

At Front Range Pest, we offer flexible scheduling options:

• Residential Services – We provide “soft appointments” for homeowners, allowing our technicians to check exterior traps and restock bait stations within a designated timeframe.
• Commercial Services – For businesses, restaurants, and other high-traffic establishments, we schedule treatments at specific times—often outside of regular business hours—to minimize disruption while ensuring optimal protection.

Why Invest in Recurring Pest Control?

Recurring pest control is especially beneficial for commercial properties with a steady flow of visitors, such as hotels and vacation rentals. Restaurants, particularly their kitchens and waste disposal areas, are also highly susceptible to infestations. Additionally, homeowners dealing with persistent pest problems can greatly benefit from ongoing professional treatment.

Key Benefits of Regular Pest Control:

1. Early Detection & Prevention – Many pests go unnoticed until they cause significant damage. Regular inspections help catch issues early, preventing costly repairs to attics, wallboards, and other hidden areas.
2. Structural Protection – Termites, carpenter ants, and bees can compromise the integrity of homes and buildings, leading to expensive repairs if left untreated.
3. Health & Safety – Cockroaches, rodents, and other pests can carry harmful bacteria such as salmonella and trigger respiratory issues like asthma.
4. Business Reputation – An infestation can result in health code violations, loss of customer trust, and negative online reviews—impacting your revenue and credibility.
5. Peace of Mind – With regularly scheduled visits, any pest issues will be identified and resolved quickly, preventing unexpected infestations and ensuring year-round protection.

While some may see pest control as an added expense, recurring services are an investment in long-term savings. By preventing large-scale infestations and property damage, routine pest management can help you avoid significant repair costs down the line.

If you need expert pest control, wildlife trapping, or removal services in Southern Wyoming and Central Colorado, contact Front Range Pest today!

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Front Range Pest is your trusted, family-owned pest and wildlife control company serving central Colorado and southern Wyoming. Our certified technicians have the expertise and credentials to ensure effective pest management for your home or business. As your all-in-one insect and wildlife specialists, we offer peace of mind by identifying wildlife entry points, removing nuisance pests, sealing access areas, performing cleanup, and making essential repairs. Schedule an inspection with us today.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

As temperatures drop, we humans aren’t the only ones seeking warmth and shelter. Rodents, too, are on the hunt for cozy spots to ride out the winter chill—and parked vehicles often become unwitting havens. Whether it’s under the hood or even inside your car, rodents can cause significant damage that’s both inconvenient and costly to repair.

From chewing on wires and hoses to clogging components with nests, rodents have a knack for creating chaos in vehicles. Some mechanics have even discovered cars jam-packed with walnuts or other debris, preventing engines from starting or belts from functioning properly. Rodents are opportunistic and will target vehicles left in storage, but even daily drivers aren’t immune. A favorite hiding spot? The air intake system, or worse, deeper inside the dash.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your vehicle from these unwelcome guests. A little prevention can go a long way toward avoiding hefty repair bills.

Signs of Rodent Activity in Your Vehicle

Keep an eye out for these telltale signs:

• Droppings: Tiny, dark pellets in and around your car.
• Unusual smells or sounds: Foul odors or scratching noises.
• Debris: Nesting materials like shredded paper or leaves.
• Chewed wires or hoses: Visible damage under the hood.

Tips to Keep Rodents Out of Your Vehicle

• Use Rodent Repellents

1. Peppermint oil and commercial sprays can help deter rodents.
2. While dryer sheets and mothballs are commonly suggested, their effectiveness may vary.

• Keep Your Vehicle Clean

1. Remove all food scraps and packaging, as even a small crumb can attract rodents.

• Park Smart

1. Whenever possible, park inside a garage and inspect it for gaps or openings that rodents could use to enter. Seal any holes or cracks.
2. If a garage isn’t an option, park in a well-lit area to discourage rodents from nesting.

• Avoid Attracting Rodents

1. Steer clear of parking near dumpsters or trash bins, as they’re a ready food source.

• Move Your Vehicle Regularly

1. Rodents prefer stationary vehicles, so starting your car and moving it occasionally can deter them.

• Set Traps

1. Use mouse traps around your car or garage to catch intruders before they cause damage. Be mindful of pets and children when placing traps.

Routine Pest Inspections to Save Money

Make it a habit to check under your hood for signs of rodent activity during the winter months. A quick visual inspection could help you catch issues early and prevent costly repairs.

If you suspect rodent activity or notice damage, don’t wait—contact a professional pest control company to assess and remedy the situation, (and take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for necessary repairs.) By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can keep rodents from turning your vehicle into their winter getaway.

For Comprehensive Insect and Wildlife Control Services, Contact Front Range Pest!

Front Range Pest is your trusted, family-owned pest and wildlife control company serving central Colorado and southern Wyoming. Our certified technicians have the expertise and credentials to ensure effective pest management for your home or business. As your all-in-one insect and wildlife specialists, we offer peace of mind by identifying wildlife entry points, removing nuisance pests, sealing access areas, performing cleanup, and making essential repairs. Schedule an inspection with us today.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Woodrats, often called “pack rats” or ‘trade rats” are fascinating creatures that unfairly bear the brunt of common misconceptions about rats. In Colorado, the smallest species, the Desert woodrat, measures about 12 inches and weighs 4 ½ ounces, while the largest, the bushy-tailed woodrat found on rocky mountain sides and old mining camps, can grow over 16 inches long and weigh up to 11 ounces. These meticulous creatures have a rat-like appearance, with long tails, large ears, and large, black eyes. Their color varies from gray to blackish-brown, and reddish tan, and most have white to grayish bellies.

‘Pack rats’ earn their nickname from their curious habit of collecting and hoarding various objects found in their environment and bringing them back to fortify their dens. Intriguingly, if they stumble upon a more desirable item, they will drop their current load in favor of the new find. Their attraction to shiny objects has spawned numerous stories of these creatures trading mundane items like stones for sparkling jewelry or coins, hence the nickname ‘trade rat.’ 

Habitat of Colorado Woodrats

Woodrats are prevalent throughout Colorado, with six species inhabiting the state. The Eastern Woodrat resides in the Riparian Woodlands on the eastern plains, while the Gray Woodrat can be found in southeastern Colorado. The White-throated and Desert Woodrats are mostly found in the southwestern desert regions of Colorado. The Bushy-tailed Woodrat is native to the Grand Valley and commonly found in Canyon County, and the Cinnamomea Woodrat is primarily located in northwestern Colorado. These rodents prefer the rugged terrain of canyons and mesa walls on the Colorado Plateau, constructing their dens in protective niches among cholla cacti, whose spines shield them from predators.

Reproduction and Survival of Colorado Woodrats

Woodrats construct elaborate homes where they build grass-lined nests to withstand the cold and nurture their young. Female woodrats can produce up to four litters each year, with each litter consisting of one to six offspring after a gestation period of four to five weeks. Even with their fortified dens, woodrats are still vulnerable to predators such as owls, coyotes, gopher snakes, and rattlesnakes. Primarily herbivores, pack rats feed on cactus and mesquite beans, though their diet is quite varied. They derive necessary moisture from their food, eliminating the need for free-standing water sources.

Managing Woodrat Infestations

Like their smaller cousins, mice, woodrats may seek shelter in our homes and businesses. They can squeeze through openings larger than ½ inch and are skilled at breaching cracks, holes, or gaps at ground level. As excellent climbers, they can also gain entry via attics, rooflines, or chimneys.

Woodrats can cause significant damage to property by harming landscaping, gnawing on wiring, and contaminating food. They can also carry diseases and host other pests in their nests. To prevent a rodent infestation, it is essential to eliminate potential food sources inside and outside your property, such as pet food and bird feeders. Secure your trash cans, trim tree limbs overhanging rooftops by at least six feet, and clear out junk piles and yard clutter to reduce the risk of attracting woodrats.

Effective Mouse Control Strategies

Our pest control technicians begin with a thorough inspection to assess property damage and identify potential entry points. Addressing the conditions that attract rodents is crucial for effective elimination. This process involves sealing entry points and eliminating food sources. While preventive measures are essential, complete eradication often necessitates professional intervention.

We strategically deploy tamper-resistant rodenticide bait stations inside and outside the property. These stations allow mice to access the bait and then leave, typically resulting in dehydration away from the premises. The bait usually takes 3-5 days to be effective. Due to the proven effectiveness and sustained action of rodenticides, we recommend regular service visits to refill the bait stations and ensure continuous protection.

To protect your property throughout the year, consider enrolling in our maintenance program, which offers ongoing pest control and peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more!

Rodents are both a nuisance and incredibly persistent. Trust the pros at Front Range Pest for prompt and discreet service!

Front Range Pest is your trusted, family-owned pest and wildlife control company serving central Colorado and southern Wyoming. Our certified technicians have the expertise and credentials to ensure effective pest management for your home or business. As your all-in-one insect and wildlife specialists, we offer peace of mind by identifying wildlife entry points, removing nuisance pests, sealing access areas, performing cleanup, and making essential repairs. Schedule an inspection with us today.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Bed bugs can infest any location, regardless of cleanliness. They simply require hiding spots and a host to feed on, often hitching rides from various places like hotels, adjacent apartments, or public seating areas. Managing bed bugs is challenging but possible. Relying solely on insecticides is not the most effective approach. A comprehensive strategy that includes cleaning, decluttering, and other preventive measures is essential for effective bed bug control.

Before assuming you have bed bugs, confirm their presence. Many pests resemble bed bugs, and various factors can mimic bed bug bites. Identifying bed bugs requires finding the insects themselves, as bites alone are not reliable indicators. If unsure, consult a pest control professional, such as Front Range Pest, for accurate identification.

Looking for Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects, comparable in size and color to apple seeds. They thrive indoors, feeding exclusively on human blood and occasionally on other animals. Unlike other pests, they do not consume crumbs or skin cells. These insects are wingless, do not jump, and are adept at concealing themselves in tiny crevices. Bed bugs start off tan as nymphs and darken as they mature. Those that have recently fed appear swollen and more reddish. While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can cause itchy reactions, and the presence of bed bugs can lead to anxiety and sleep loss.

What to Look For

When searching for bed bugs, look out for the following signs:

• Live or dead bed bugs
• Shed skins from their growth stages
• Eggs
• Fecal stains or droppings

How to Inspect for Bed Bugs

Begin your search within 15 to 20 feet of sleeping areas, as this is where bed bugs are most likely to congregate. Move slowly through the area, using a flashlight angled along surfaces to better spot eggs and newly hatched bed bugs. It’s crucial to examine every nook and cranny that could harbor bed bugs. Use a tool like a putty knife, playing card, or nail file to probe into cracks and dislodge any hidden bed bugs. Consider taking notes on where you find signs of bed bugs to ensure all affected areas are remembered and treated later.

Treating Your Home for Bed Bugs

Once you’ve identified the areas of your home infested with bed bugs, hopefully, you’ve already taken the first steps by crushing and vacuuming any visible pests. Now, it’s time to proceed with a more thorough eradication process. Below is a summary of essential steps to effectively treat your home and eliminate bed bugs. Following as many of these steps as possible will ensure the best results, though some may need to be repeated for success. While treating bed bugs can be a time-consuming process, thorough and careful execution will help minimize the likelihood of reinfestation and return your home to its pre-pest condition.

1.  Gather your cleaning supplies and tools to remove pests.

2.   Isolate and encase clean mattresses and linens to prevent further infestation.

3.  Clean, declutter, and get organized. Wash clothes, shoes, linens, and pillows in a washer. Hard plastic items can go in the dishwasher, while books and fragile items should be sealed in plastic bags or bins to treat later.

4.  Vacuum everything and everywhere! Be sure to empty the vacuum contents into a trash bag and dispose of it immediately.

5.   Make necessary repairs: seal gaps in wall outlets, caulk moldings and joints, and fix peeling wallpaper to reduce hiding spots.

6.  Decide whether to treat or discard infested items. Upholstered furniture may be difficult to treat; if discarding, wrap it in plastic and label it as “infested with bed bugs” to prevent spreading them in your community.

7.   Wash all hard surfaces and furniture with soap and water, paying special attention to crevices and spaces in the frames.

8.  Treat with steam. Steam treatments are recommended as they kill all life stages of bed bugs. Be sure to steam before applying insecticides, as steam may lessen the effects of insecticide.

9.  Treat area with insecticides. Hiring a professional pest management company is preferable, as they have the expertise to safely and efficiently apply insecticides.

Why Professional Help Is Key for Bed Bug Treatment

Evaluate both the legal and practical considerations before attempting to treat bed bugs on your own. In many situations, particularly for renters or in public spaces, using pesticides without proper training may be illegal. Landlords are usually responsible for arranging professional pest control services. Eliminating bed bugs can be difficult without expert assistance. Licensed pesticide applicators are trained to accurately identify, isolate, and treat infestations, making professional intervention the fastest and safest solution to a bed bug problem.

For quick and discreet bed bug inspections, contact Front Range Pest for safe and effective insect treatments.

Front Range Pest is your trusted, family-owned pest and wildlife control company serving central Colorado and southern Wyoming. Our certified technicians have the expertise and credentials to ensure effective pest management for your home or business. As your all-in-one insect and wildlife specialists, we offer peace of mind by identifying wildlife entry points, removing nuisance pests, sealing access areas, performing cleanup, and making essential repairs. Schedule an inspection with us today.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Living in Colorado, residents often enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife the state has to offer. However, not all local wildlife is welcome, especially when it involves pests like earwigs, boxelder bugs, cluster flies, and stink bugs. These pests can become more than a nuisance, invading your home and creating discomfort for you and your family. Here’s how you can keep these common pests at bay and recognize when it’s time to call in the professionals, such as Front Range Pest Control.

Identifying Common Colorado Pests

1. Earwigs: These small, dark, narrow insects have pincers on their tails and are often found in moist areas. Earwigs sometimes swarm homes in search of shelter from extreme weather conditions. During periods of dry, hot weather, they look for cooler, moist places to survive. During heavy rains, earwigs come indoors to escape saturated soils.
2. Boxelder Bugs: Recognizable by their black and red markings, these bugs are typically found on or around boxelder trees during warmer months. In the fall, boxelder bugs congregate in significant numbers as they search for a warm spot to overwinter. They tuck themselves into tiny cracks and crevices within walls to shield themselves from the cold.
3. Cluster Flies: Larger than the common housefly, cluster flies have a golden sheen over their thorax and are slow flyers. Known for their tendency to huddle together, cluster flies don’t enter your home in search of food or to bread; instead, they are entering diapause (similar to hibernation.)
4. Stink Bugs: Known for their shield-like shape and the unpleasant odor they release when disturbed or crushed, stink bugs swarm in search of shelter from decreasing temperatures and shorter days. Once a stink bug finds a suitable location, it releases a pheromone that attracts other stink bugs to the area. The more stink bugs gather, the more odor they can produce.

Preventive Measures

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks, holes, and gaps, especially around windows, doors, and the foundation. Sealing these can prevent pests from entering.
• Maintain the Yard: Keep your garden tidy and debris-free. Trim overhanging branches that might provide a pathway to your home.
• Reduce Moisture: Fix leaky faucets and ensure proper drainage around the home. Pests like earwigs thrive in moist conditions.
• Use Screens: Install screens on windows and vents. Check them regularly for holes and tears and repair them promptly.

Natural Deterrents

• Diatomaceous Earth: A non-toxic powder that can effectively kill pests by dehydrating them. Sprinkle around the home’s foundation and potential entry points.
• Essential Oils: Oils such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus can deter many types of insects. Apply diluted solutions around window sills and doorways.

Regularly inspect your home for signs of infestation, such as pest droppings, damaged plants, and unusual smells. Early detection can often allow for simpler, more effective treatment options. If preventative measures and home remedies do not control the infestation, or if the infestation becomes severe, it’s time to call professional pest control services. Front Range Pest specializes in safely and effectively eliminating and controlling insects in your home. We understand the behaviors of these common pests and can provide tailored solutions to keep your home pest-free.

Don’t let a small insect problem become a big one; contact us before an infestation gets out of control!

Front Range Pest is your trusted, family-owned pest and wildlife control company serving central Colorado and southern Wyoming. Our certified technicians have the expertise and credentials to ensure effective pest management for your home or business. As your all-in-one insect and wildlife specialists, we offer peace of mind by identifying wildlife entry points, removing nuisance pests, sealing access areas, performing cleanup, and making essential repairs. Schedule an inspection with us today.

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Bald-faced hornets become most troublesome in late summer when their colonies peak in size. These insects are social and cooperate to construct their papery grey hives, which house between 100 to 400 members. Distinctly larger than wasps, bald-faced hornets feature a primarily black body with a distinctive white face. They are more aggressive than other stinging insects and will defend their territory vigorously against any perceived threats. Their smooth stingers enable them to sting multiple times, unlike honeybees, which lose their stinger after one sting.

An active bald-faced hornet nest can be identified by its grey, paper-like structure, usually suspended at least three feet off the ground in trees or from structure overhangs. These nests can be as wide as 14 inches in diameter and more than 24 inches in length, with worker hornets often seen flying nearby.

It is crucial to steer clear of bald-faced hornets and their nests. If you encounter one, calmly leave the area and contact a professional pest control service, such as Front Range Pest, for safe removal. Do not attempt to remove the nest yourself, as this can provoke the hornets and lead to stinging. While a single sting is not typically harmful, receiving multiple stings—30 or 40—can be fatal.

Tips to Avoid Being Stung

• Dress protectively in long sleeves and pants to minimize exposure to stings.
• Regularly inspect your property for small openings or cracks that might serve as pest shelters and seal them.
• Keep food and beverages covered during outdoor activities.
• Opt for unscented hygiene products and avoid strong fragrances.
• Refrain from wearing brightly colored clothing, such as yellow, purple, blue, or red, which might attract hornets.
• Wear closed-toed shoes to safeguard your feet.
• Should you find a hive, do not disturb it. Instead, call Front Range Pest for professional assistance.

How to Act Around Stinging Insects

Stay calm! While it’s natural to swat at an insect, doing so can provoke hornets and make them more aggressive. If a hornet is hovering near you, try to remain calm and stand still. Holding your breath for 10 to 30 seconds may help, as pests will lose interest. If one or a couple are still pestering you, walk away calmly and swiftly in the opposite direction without sudden movements that might increase their sense of threat. If a swarm attacks, run! Head indoors as fast as possible in a straight line and close the door behind you. Turn on the lights to confuse any insects that might have followed. And definitely do not disturb a hive! For safe and professional removal, contact Front Range Pest.

What to Do If You Are Stung

• Find safety: Quickly move to a sting-free area to avoid further stings.
• Remove the stinger: If visible, gently extract the stinger using tweezers or your fingernails.
• Clean the area: Wash the sting site with soap and water to prevent infection. To reduce swelling and pain, apply a topical steroid or take an oral antihistamine. Elevate the affected area and use cold compresses for additional relief.
• Monitor for allergic reactions: If you experience severe swelling, especially in the face, mouth, or throat, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency medical help immediately by calling 911.
• Follow up: If the sting does not improve within a few days, consult your doctor or seek emergency care.

Don’t risk your safety, contact Front Range Pest today for professional removal of aggressive stinging insect hives!

Front Range Pest is your trusted, family-owned pest and wildlife control company serving central Colorado and southern Wyoming. Our certified technicians have the expertise and credentials to ensure effective pest management for your home or business. As your all-in-one insect and wildlife specialists, we offer peace of mind by identifying wildlife entry points, removing nuisance pests, sealing access areas, performing cleanup, and making essential repairs. Schedule an inspection with us today.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com