Crawl Space Encapsulation & Pest Control Company in Somerset, NJ

During a routine service of a commercial building in Gladstone, NJ, we noticed that underneath several pieces of kitchen equipment was a build-up of spoiled food and sugary liquids. All of these issues will eventually cause the owner to have a severe fruit fly problem. 

We informed the manager on duty and told him that sanitation is the best form of pest control. If these issues are properly addressed, then there will be no pest problem! We were happy to hear that the manager agreed with us and both he and his staff immediately started to clean the area and underneath the equipment.

As a precaution, we treated all the floor drains throughout the building with a liquid application and thoroughly scrubbed them out. This product removes the bad bacteria in the drain, which eliminates the fruit fly's breeding habitat. Afterward, we applied a bio-foam solution that removes the organic build-up, odors, and scum in the drains. With our treatments and a proper sanitation procedure in place, the building will no longer have any pest issues.

A business owner in Skillman, NJ called our office after his maintenance crew found a rat in the crawl space. As soon as we began our inspection, we immediately noticed that the door to the crawl space was broken and was hanging on by a small hook. First, we carefully cleaned up the droppings and then installed several rodent bait stations throughout the crawl space and along the exterior of the building.  We also scheduled several follow-up visits to replenish the bait stations as needed.

Although we offered to replace the crawl space door for the owner, he informed us that he will have his maintenance crew replace the broken door once the rats are gone. 

A new customer in Watchung, NJ called our office after noticing a large number of "fat bees" hovering around the fascia board area of his home. We were sent out to inspect and treat.

As we inspected the area, we noticed a large number of carpenter bees flying around and drilling into the fascia board on the sunny side of his home.  Carpenter bees are solitary, wood-destroying pests but they don't eat wood like termites do. What's unique about these pests is that they drill perfectly circular 1/2 holes in wooden structures to create galleries. An easy way to tell that you have a carpenter bee problem is, aside from them hovering around the sunny areas of your home, is to look for those yellow-brownish stains. That is actually carpenter bee feces!

If not treated, the carpenter bees will reuse the same galleries year after year and cause extensive damage to that area. So we grabbed our extendable pole, to reach the carpenter bees, and applied a residual dusting application directly into the galleries and gaps underneath the fascia boards. Not only will this treatment eliminate the carpenter bees, but the residual that is left behind will exterminate any returning and newly hatched carpenter bees in the galleries.

A new customer in Martinsville, NJ called our office after finding mice droppings in her home. After finding mice droppings in the basement, we inspected the exterior of the home and noticed a wide gap around one of the utility pipes. Upon closer inspection, we found more mice droppings by that area. This was how the mice were entering the home. 

First, we carefully cleaned up all the droppings and then installed several rodent bait stations throughout the basement and along the exterior of the home. Next, we stuffed the opening with chew-proof stainless steel mesh and sealed it in place with a waterproof adhesive. Rodents typically don't like chewing through metal because it's extremely uncomfortable for their teeth and gums.

The combination of the two materials makes for a great deterrent. We'll return for several follow-up visits to monitor the rodent infestation and replenish the bait stations as needed.

A new customer in Bedminster, NJ noticed a wet spot on the ceiling of her daughters bedroom. As she examined it, she heard buzzing noises on the other side. She then immediately called our office for help.

When we arrived and inspected the attic, we didn't find any signs of stinging insects at first. It wasn't until we lifted the insulation is when we found a massive yellow jackets nest. The nest was attached to the sheet rock of the ceiling and was so wet with the larva & saliva that the ceiling was ready to break open!

For treatment, we first injected a knockdown aerosol application directly into the opening of the nest. Several moments later, we treated the nest with a knockdown liquid product. Both of these treatments will rapidly exterminate the yellow jackets. Once they were eliminated, we carefully removed the nest, properly disposed of it, and then cleaned the area. 

After months of residing in his property, a new homeowner in Bridgewater, NJ recently noticed that his gutters were clogged with debris and filled to the brim with water! Since this was an ongoing issue, the overflowing gutters was causing erosion to his property and even causing a buildup of water in his crawl space! After we came out and encapsulated his crawl space to remedy the moisture issue, we returned to take care of the conducive condition, the gutters, by installing RainDrop® Gutter Guards.

This cutting-edge product provides maintenance-free, self-cleaning gutter protection for both new and existing gutters and is compatible with all roof types and gutter styles. Made of its own unique polypropylene blend, the RainDrop® Gutter Guard withstands severe storms, heat, and cold, is specially formulated to absorb heat from the sun, melting ice and snow quickly to keep water flowing, and blends seamlessly with your gutters. We also installed end caps that closes off the system to keep out birds, bees, squirrels, and other nuisance pests. Most importantly, the self-cleaning gutter guards prevent build-up, keeping pests away, and creating a safer, more enjoyable environment! 

As we were replenishing the rodent bait stations at this home in Far Hills, NJ we came across one that had a garter snake in it! Garter snakes are the most common snakes found in NJ, often making themselves comfortable around homes. These snakes often hibernate under the siding of a home. They are the first snakes to emerge from hibernation and can be seen as early as mid-March. Its color varies from olive brown to black and typically has three long stripes extending from head to tail. Garter snakes are relatively harmless to humans. In fact, they are often kept as pets. Although some species do possess a mild neurotoxic venom, it's not dangerous to humans.

We safely retrieved the snake, finished replenishing the bait in our bait stations, and then relocated the garter snake to a new, humane location. 

As this homeowner in Flagtown, NJ was cleaning out his crawl space, he noticed a number of yellow jackets flying around the area. Before he or anyone else in his family gets stung, he called Cowleys for help!

When we arrived and inspected the crawl space we noticed that a large number of the yellow jackets were hovering around a particular area, so we removed a portion of the insulation and BINGO! We found the, rather large, yellow jacket nest! We immediately treated the nest with a knockdown aerosol and liquid application. Both treatments rapidly exterminate the yellow jackets. Once they're gone, we removed the nest, disposed of it, and cleaned the area. 

As we were inspecting and treating a home in Watchung, NJ, we noticed that there was firewood stacked against the home by the front door and in the backyard. Firewood is a dream home for pests and they can easily hitch a ride into your home when you move it inside!

We spoke to the owner and mentioned that he moved the firewood at least 6 feet from his home and store it off the ground on a cement platform or rack. The owner agreed and immediately began to move the firewood. As we always say, being proactive is a lot better than being reactive when it comes to pest control!

A new customer in Basking Ridge, NJ called our office after finding a number of ants in her family room. During our inspection, we found the ants crawling along the baseboards and identified them as odorous house ants. Odorous house ants are tiny, fast ants that give off a rotten coconut smell when they're crushed or startled. After identifying them, we inspected the exterior and noticed that the ants were infesting the home by crawling underneath a small exposed section of the siding on the side of the building.

We treated the entire exterior of the home and, with the owners permission, the baseboards, cracks, & crevices in the family room with a non-repellant liquid application. The odorous house ants will come in contact with this application, return to their nest, and then transfer the treatment throughout their colony. A short while later, the ants will be exterminated. Once they're eliminated, the homeowner will contact a contractor to repair the siding. 

We were sent out to a new Home Protection Plan customer in Toms River, NJ to handle a mice issue inside his home. Upon inspection, we found mouse droppings in the living room and the attic. We also discovered several openings around the downspout and around several utility pipes. Apparently, the homeowner tried to seal these openings using some sort of spray foam. Although this seems like a good idea, it doesn't work as the mice will chew right through it, which is exactly what they did here!

First, we carefully cleaned up all the mice droppings and properly disposed of them. Next, we installed several rodent bait stations in the living room, the two adjacent rooms, the attic, and along the exterior of the home. On our first follow up visit we will replenish the bait in the bait stations as needed, remove all the foaming adhesive from all the gaps, stuff them with chew-proof metal mesh, and seal them with a premium, waterproof adhesive.

A new commercial customer in Far Hills, NJ was having a big problem with an abundance of flies in one of the offices. To handle the heavy fly infestation, we installed a UV fly trap. The flies are attracted to the special UV light as well as the pheromone scented glue boards that are installed inside the light. Once the flies land in that area, they are captured. With this type of protection, flies with no longer be an issue for this business owner.

This homeowner in Gladstone, NJ has been dealing with a messy and costly attic for quite some time. One day, after seeing our Ad in the Home Improvement Magazine, she decided to give us a call about insulating her attic. After inspecting the attic and reviewing different options, the homeowner agreed to add TruSoft blown-in cellulose insulation to the attic!

The first thing we did was remove all the contaminated fiberglas insulation, air sealed all the gaps and cracks in the attic, and then installed Tight Shell Can Light Covers over the recessed lights in the attic. This will eliminate air flow between the living space and the attic, improving energy efficiency. Next, we added over 10 inches of TruSoft blown-in cellulose insulation. TruSoft blown-in cellulose insulation maximizes home comfort, has the highest Class-1 fire safety rating & is resistant to mold and pests. TruSoft is also eco-friendly and optimizes energy usage for year-round peace and savings for the homeowner!

Lastly, we installed an attic door insulation cover. This attic door insulation cover is made of high-quality fireproof materials and 2 layers of aluminum, which can effectively block heat transfer, make your indoor temperature more pleasant, and give you a comfortable and healthy environment.

After finding a rat in her dyer, this homeowner in Far Hills, NJ immediately called Cowleys for help! As we were about to begin our inspection we immediately noticed that the dryer vent was exposed. There was no cover over it and, as we took a closer look, we found a ton of rat droppings around it. This was how the rats were entering the home!

First, we carefully vacuumed up all the rat droppings inside and outside of the home. Next, we installed several rodent bait stations in front of the dryer vent, around the exterior of the home, the laundry room, and the two adjacent rooms inside the home. Lastly, we scheduled several follow up visits to replenish the bait stations and monitor the infestation.

We informed the owner that our Nuisance Wildlife Division can install a new and sturdy vent cover over the dryer vent to prevent any future rodent, pest, or wildlife intrusions. She was happy to hear that and made an appointment with our wildlife division. 

As we were servicing this property in Somerville, NJ we found an opening made by mice on the side of the foundation. How did we know it was mice? We found their droppings around the hole and found their hair inside it. Mice infesting your home is never a good thing as they are known to carry many diseases. These diseases can then spread to people through directly handling their feces or breathing it through the air!

We brought this to the homeowners attention and he mentioned that he will contact a foundation repair specialist to repair the hole. In the meantime, we carefully vacuumed up the droppings and installed several rodent bait stations near the hole and around the perimeter of the home. We will return for several follow-up visits to replenish the bait stations and monitor the infestation. 

After our Pest Control Technicians had removed all the mice from the crawl space of this customers home in Neshanic Station, NJ, we're here to remove all the contaminated insulation and encapsulate the crawl space. First, we removed all the debris and contaminated insulation and disposed of them. Next, we leveled the ground for proper draining and installed drainage matting, which is a dimpled plastic mat that allows all excess moisture to work its way over to the new sump pump we installed. Afterward, we installed a vapor barrier.

A vapor barrier is a heavy-duty, 20-mil 7-ply sandwich of high and low-density polyethylene with a polyester-cord reinforcement. The vapor barrier is extremely durable and is treated with an antimicrobial to prevent mold. Afterward, we installed SilverGlo™ on the walls of the crawl space, which is a waterproof foam insulation that seals the walls from outside moisture and humidity. Lastly, we installed a Sani-Dry Sedona commercial-grade dehumidifier to control the humidity levels in the crawl space.

The day after this client in Manville, NJ, had a party at his home, he was shocked to discover ants all over his kitchen counter. He then searched for a local & reputable pest control company, found Cowleys, gave us a call, and we were sent out to inspect and treat. As soon as we inspected the kitchen, we found the ants all over the counter. What was attracting them? The food crumbs and liquids that were all over the place. Apparently the homeowner forgot to clean up after the party!

After we helped the owner clean the area, we applied an ant gel bait along the corners and cracks on the kitchen counter. Next, we treated the entire exterior of the home and, at the owners request, the baseboards of the kitchen with a liquid non-repellant product. Once the ants come in contact with either of these applications, they'll return to their nest and transfer the treatments throughout their colony. A short while later, the ants will be exterminated.

After finding multiple bug bites all over his legs, this homeowner in Zarephath, NJ called Cowleys for help determining what pest was infesting his home. As we thoroughly examined the bed room, we discovered something interesting behind the dresser - bed bugs! Although their name suggests that they only reside in a bed, bed bugs will harbor anywhere close to where they can get a blood meal. This includes rugs, end tables, dressers, and even cracks in a wall.  

For treatment, the first thing we did was vacuum up all the live bed bugs and their eggs. Afterward, we treated the baseboards, bed frame, dresser, and the surrounding areas with a fungicide application. This product creates a barrier that infects and exterminates the bed bugs over a short period of time. Lastly, we scheduled several follow-up visits to monitor the infestation and, if needed, apply any additional treatments.

As this customer was cleaning the gutters on his roof, he noticed that his gable vent was damaged, so took a closer look at it. As he was surveying the damage, he peaked into the opening and saw a raccoon sleeping in the corner of his attic! He backed away very slowly and called Little Rascals for help. Nuisance wildlife infesting a home via the gable vents is very common. Over time, the gable vents get weathered and raccoons, squirrels, birds, and bats have no problem ripping away these vents to find shelter inside a home.

To safely remove the raccoon, we installed a one-way over the gable vent, temporarily enclosed the area with hardware cloth, and set-up several baited devices nearby. A one-way is a device that allows raccoons to safely leave an area, but prevent them from getting back in the same way. A short while later, we successfully retrieved the raccoon and relocated the it to a new, humane location.

Afterward, we disinfected the attic area, removed the broken gable vent and replaced it with a louvered vent guard. This material is made out of heavy-duty Galvannealed steel (which means it won't rust) and is customized to accommodate vents of all shapes and sizes. Now the home is properly protected from not just raccoons, but all nuisance wildlife and pests!

During a spring treatment for a new Home Protection Plan client in Raritan, NJ we noticed several piles of rat droppings around the shed that was about 20 feet from the home. We took a closer look and found even more fresh rat droppings around a hole that lead underneath the shed. We reported our findings to the owner who had no idea that he had a rat problem! For good measure, we thoroughly inspected the home to see if the rats made their way inside. Fortunately, after concluding our inspection, they did not.

To handle the rat problem, we installed several Ready-to-Use rodent bait stations near the hole and around the shed. Next, we installed several snap traps that are inside temper-proof, child resistant boxes near any opening underneath the shed. Lastly, we scheduled several follow-up visits to monitor the rat infestation, apply any additional treatments, and replenish the bait stations as needed.

A new client in Kingston, NJ called our office after her husband found a dead mouse and some droppings in the crawl space! They were afraid that there might be more of them and wanted Cowleys to inspect and treat. As we inspected the area, we did find several mice tunnels throughout the insulation. Mice will often tunnel in the insulation to create a warm nesting place. For a thorough examination, we removed a piece of fiberglass insulation. As we did, a massive amount of rodent droppings came falling out as well as a live mouse! Turns out that the mice were entering the crawl space through a tiny gap around a wire that lead outside. Unfortunately, after completing our inspection, we also discovered that almost all the insulation was contaminated with mice feces and urine and needed to be removed ASAP. 

We informed the owners and mentioned that our Crawl Space Division can remove all the contaminated insulation, properly dispose of it, disinfect the area, and replace the insulation with new, better quality insulation. The owners were happy to hear that and, once all the mice are gone, they will make an appointment. In the meantime, we cleaned up all the droppings and installed several Ready-to-Use rodent bait stations throughout the crawl space and along the exterior of the home. We then scheduled several follow up visits to monitor the activity and replenish the bait stations as needed. Once all the mice are gone we're going to stuff any and all potential openings with chew-proof metal mesh and then seal them with a premium, waterproof adhesive. 

As this homeowner in Manville, NJ was pruning his landscape, he saw a mouse running along the side of the home and squeeze through a small opening in a basement window to enter his basement! He then went inside and called Cowleys for help. Once we arrived and started inspecting the basement, there was an area that was being renovated. As we examined that area we found numerous mouse tunnels throughout the insulation as well as mice feces stuck in several pieces of insulation. Mice will use the insulation in your basement, crawl space, or attic as a nice, soft material for their nest. 

For treatment, we cleaned up all the mice droppings and installed several rodent bait stations throughout the basement and along the exterior of the home. We then scheduled several follow up visits to replenish the bait in the bait stations and monitor the activity. Once all the mice are gone, the homeowner will replace the exterior basement window. 

Recently, we were sent out on a service call to a condo in Raritan, NJ to treat for termites. The owner had reported seeing termite damage by the back sliding door. As we investigated, not only did we find termite damage by the sliding door, but we also found termite mud tubes. We also found more termite damage in the utility room.

Since termites live beneath the soil and enter your property below the ground level of the dirt, for an effective treatment, we must drill into the concrete in the utility room, by the back sliding door, and around the perimeter of the condo. When drilling, it's imperative that we space the holes at least 15-18 inches apart. This ensures that the liquid application has room to spread out and increases the chance that the termites will walk through the application. Next, we injected a liquid termiticide that binds to the treated area and creates a protective zone that the termites cannot detect. The termites will come in contact with this treatment as they go about their normal routine, bring it back to their nest, and spread it among the colony. In a short amount of time, the termites will be exterminated and the condo will be protected from termites for many years to come.