Bulwark Exterminating Makes Best Of Yelp

Monday, February 4, 2013 Posted by

Bulwark Exterminating Makes Yelp’s Best Pest Control In Austin

Every year Yelp updates it’s “Best of Yelp,” and Bulwark Pest Control was pleased to hear that they have been recognized as “Best Pest Control in Austin.” Companies that get recognized with this prestigious distinction consistently receive numerous positive reviews on Yelp for their products and customer service.

To see the entire list of Yelp’s “Best Pest Control in Austin,” click here.

What Is Yelp?

Before making a significant purchase decision, 81 percent of consumers do research online. Customer review sites allow customers to rate their experiences with a company, and leave comments about what was done well, and what facets of the businesses’ products and service need improving. Yelp is one such customer review site. Check out yelp.com to get customer feedback on everything from hotels and restaurants, to home services contractors, and pest control companies in your area.

Reviews For Bulwark Exterminating On Yelp

Bulwark is great – I’ve been using them for 3 years. They come by when they say, they do their job, and the few times that new insects have invaded (I had a couple of ant colonies make their home just outside of the perimeter), Bulwark was happy to come back and take care of them. Their techs are professionals through and through.

- Michelle T.
Austin, TX

Aurelio “Ledo” Montes was my new tech today and I was extremely pleased! As a long time Bulwark customer (12+ years), he knew the specific treatment plan for my yard and was very accommodating. He listened to all my new issues and addressed each one as if they were his own. He was prompt, thorough, and very personable. Thank You, Bulwark for sending such a professional. I would love to have “Ledo” on all future calls!

- Sherri H.
Austin, TX

Mason just left our house after being here almost two hours for our initial treatment. A kind, friendly young man who took his time and was very thorough in treating our home for the current problems we are having. I look forward to working with Bulwark in the future. Thank you!

- Olga L.
Round Rock, TX

We’ve used them (Bulwark) for four years now, and they come every other month. They are always timely, always take their shoes off when entering the house, and always are professional, mature and friendly–never in a hurry. I even recently called another exterminator who my sister uses (she says he’s cute) to get an estimate, and when I told him what we currently pay Bulwark; he said that he could not beat their price.

- Antionette G.
Austin, TX

Read more or Austin Bulwark Pest Control’s many positive five star reviews on Yelp by clicking here.

Austin Pest Control

Bulwark Exterminating
209 East Ben White Boulevard
Austin, TX
(512) 291-1200
bulwarkpestcontrol.com

A Wildlife Pro
3803 Speedway
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 914-7287
austintxanimalcontrol.com

Terminix
1905 Kramer Lane,
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 236-5008
terminix.com

 

Bulwark Exterminating-Austin Receives Angie’s List Award

Friday, January 18, 2013 Posted by

Angie’s List Super Service Award Given To Bulwark Exterminating

Bulwark Pest Control’s Austin, Texas branch recently got some very exciting news. Angie’s List has awarded the pest control company their prestigious Super Service Award. The award is given to specific companies that demonstrate outstanding customer service during the previous year; receiving top customer reviews on Angie’s List. Recipients are essentially voted in by their own customer’s reviews. This impressive award is only given to the top five percent of companies represented on Angie’s List.

Angie’s List: The Importance Of Customer Reviews

On top of leveling the playing field among pest control companies, the internet has given the consumer more power, making them even more influential. A pest control company’s great service, or poor service for that matter, has made it possible for our customers to let the entire world know about it.

The vast majority (81%) of all people use consumer reviews in their purchase decisions; and 92% have more confidence in information found online than they do in anything they may hear from any other source. These statements just touch the surface of how the public makes consumer decisions and how that process is rapidly evolving.

Bulwark Pest Control’s Customer Reviews On Angie’s List

The technician arrived promptly, and I like that the company was able to fit my schedule (5 – 7 pm). I was told exactly what was being done for the money and what would happen on a regular basis every other month. Both inside and outside were treated, and an explanation was given about every service performed. He treated all electrical outlets, each room, and the outside of the home and yard. He pointed out any problems and treated for those as well. He was in and out in under an hour. Very professional, very thorough, very friendly. The billing was fully explained as well as future treatment schedule and charges. Price was great for the service provided.

Overall Grade: A

- Pamela G.
Round Rock, TX

They are always on time and professional!!

Overall Grade: A

- Carol B.
Austin, TX

I actually have a bimonthly contract with Bulwark. The service they provide has controlled pests very well. They are always on time and prepared to complete the work. Bulwark Exterminating has proven to be professional. They are clear with their service scheduling and with the types of pesticides being applied and where these are applied. Overall they have been a very good service provider and their pricing is reasonable.

Overall Grade: A

- Becky P.
Cedar Park, TX

A prompt response plus full explanation of process to get rid of pests led me to purchase additional services from this company. I’ve been very impressed with each point of service. They are very professional, sending emails from person who will appear at my house and leaving receipts indicating they have been there and what service they provided. A prompt call from owner of business followed by additional treatments every 2-3 months for a year. Well worth price.

Overall Grade: A

- Beverly T.
Austin, TX

To read all of Bulwark Pest Control- Austin, TX reviews on Angie’s List, click the link below:

http://www.angieslist.com/companylist/us/tx/austin/bulwark-exterminating-reviews-279709.htm

Pest Control Austin, TX

Bulwark Exterminating
209 East Ben White Boulevard
Austin, TX
(512) 291-1200
bulwarkpestcontrol.com

Why Now’s the Perfect Time to Seek Austin Pool Repair

Friday, January 4, 2013 Posted by

Fieldstone-Pool-Outdoor-Kitchen

If you live in Austin, Texas, you may not want to put the shorts into storage just yet. In early November, you’re usually more worried about how you’re going to prepare your turkey rather than staying cool, but this is not the case in Austin. Weather forecasters, for the week of November 5th, reported that temperatures would reach the high 80s. That Sunday saw a high temperature of 87 degrees, which should give pool owners a reminder of the importance of maintaining their pools. While the season for playing Marco Polo and floating the day away are closing, these temperatures indicate that summer is not ready to go just yet.

 

Maintaining Your Pool

So how does one go about maintaining and repairing their pool to ensure it’s ready to go when they need it? The most important thing to understand is that it’s going to happen eventually for every pool owner. Parts get worn down with frequent use, and if you live in Austin, you know that the summers can get hot. Pools are a perfect way to cool down on a hot day, so you’re bound to run into trouble eventually. Oftentimes, it is only a small issue where a part is old or breaks down. However, if you aren’t mindful of these issues and let them go by the wayside, you might find yourself in a much bigger heap of trouble.

Pool Repair

When you find that your pool isn’t up to par, you’ll need to seek Austin pool repair. Technicians from a reputable company can assess what exactly is wrong with your pool and recommend repairs that should put your pool in top working order. Common issues with pools include problems with the filtration system, the heater, pool pumps and motors, pool pump valves and pressure gauges as well as malfunctioning pool baskets, floating chlorinators, vacuums and skimming poles. These issues can quickly be corrected by the right pool service company.

So how does one find the right Austin pool repair company? Given the internet, it’s never been easier. Websites like Yelp will give you a myriad of reviews that will offer users’ experiences with the pool company. The Better Business Bureau can indicate problems and complaints with the company as well. Word of mouth is a good source too. Ask your friends, family and neighbors who own pools about who they sought to have their pool repaired and maintained and find out whether or not that company is worthwhile. The recent weather in Austin is indicative of the fact that summer will come sooner than you realize. Be prepared for it by having your pool ready to go.

Ashely Wilson is a part of a team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow her @AshelyMarie1985 to see what else she has to say!

How To Keep Pests Out Of Your Christmas Decorations

Thursday, December 20, 2012 Posted by

Christmas decorations

Creepy Crawlies In Your Christmas Decorations

The holidays are in full swing, and before you know it you will be left with the daunting task of putting away all of those Christmas decorations. Did you know that those beautiful Christmas wreaths, lights, ceramic nativities, and even your artificial Christmas tree can be a favorite hideout for pests all year long?

There are a few simple and inexpensive steps you can take now, so you don’t end up with a serious pest infestation later. The last thing you want is to create a safe haven for rodents, cockroaches, silverfish, spiders or scorpions.

How To Keep Pests Out Of Your Christmas Decorations

Use proper storage bins. When storing your Christmas decorations, avoid using cardboard boxes. The tape, cardboard, and glue are a favorite food among roaches and silverfish. They can easily slip through the crevices of these cardboard boxes too. Opt instead for plastic tubs with tight fitting lids. These will surely help keep the bugs out of your decorations.

Use a Christmas tree bag. Again, toss the cardboard box your artificial Christmas tree came in, and use a Christmas tree bag that will tightly zip. Rodents like mice, squirrels, and rats love nesting in artificial trees year round. These trees provide pests with a safe shelter, much like they’d find in the wild.

Quickly throw away your real tree. That wonderful smelling Evergreen you chopped down on a family outing needs to be quickly disposed of; before rodents and other pests take notice, and take cover inside.

Seal linens in plastic bags. Your stockings and Christmas tablecloths can offer a quick meal for pests like clothing moths, and cockroaches. Make sure items like these are sealed in plastic bags to keep out any humidity which can also attract pests.

Throw away edible decorations. I know you spent hours on that beautiful gingerbread house you made, but pests like mice and rats will quickly make a meal of it. The same goes for those candy canes you used to decorate the tree. Edibles will only attract pests.

Inspect storage area. Before you start stacking those plastic tubs of Christmas decorations in your garage, basement, or attic; look for existing signs of pests nearby. Rodent droppings, spider webs, and dead insects are a dead give away of a pest problem.

Clean, clean, clean. After inspecting your storage area for signs of pests, and before you start stacking the plastic tubs, make sure the area is clean. This simple act can go along way in keeping the bugs and pests away.

Get pest control. If you see any signs of pests where you are storing your Christmas decorations, get help from an Austin exterminator. Scorpion control, roach control, and spider control treatment plans can keep those pests away from your décor all year round. You don’t want to get bit or stung when you get them out for next season.

Austin Pest Control

Bulwark Exterminating
209 East Ben White Boulevard
Austin, TX
(512) 291-1200
bulwarkpestcontrol.com

A Wildlife Pro
3803 Speedway
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 914-7287
austintxanimalcontrol.com

Terminix
1905 Kramer Lane,
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 236-5008
terminix.com

Warning: Smelly Bugs Invading Austin Texas

Monday, December 10, 2012 Posted by

A Stinky Pest

As certain as the cooler fall and winter months arrive in Austin, TX, so too do the bugs. They enter our homes looking for shelter from the elements. During these home invasions, Austin homeowners will likely see a new pest… The invasive brown marmorated stink bug!

The invasive brown marmorated stinkbug has been a serious pest problem for much of the country, especially in the Northeast United States. Some reports say their numbers are up over 60% this year. This is mostly due to the insects having multiple breeding cycles during the long, hot, extended summer. These stinky pests are making there way into Austin homes, looking for places to overwinter.

Efraen Garcia with Bulwark Exterminating is busy this time of year trying to keep the usual Texas pests out of peoples’ homes. He’s added the stinkbug to his list. 

                                 Invasive insect could raise a stink

Reporting Stink Bug Sightings

The Texas AgriLife Extension Office is asking for anyone who finds this type of stinkbug to give them a call. Officials have said that they “take this pest seriously, and are hard at work trying to understand effective ways to control it; and mitigate its effect.” These stink bugs have the potential to damage Texas’ crops; and your garden. The Texas AgriLife Extension Office can be reached at (512) 854-9600

The Brown Marmorated Stinkbug

The Brown Marmorated Stinkbug is a medium sized insect that measures about a half inch to three-quarters of an inch long. They’re shield shaped and brown with black mottling on their backs. They also sport white and black triangles around the outer edge of their bodies. They are best known for emitting a foul smelling over when disturbed or squashed.

Identifying The Brown Marmorated Stinkbug

Keeping Stinkbugs Out Of Your Austin Home

  • Cover any vents, window, and doors with tight fitting screens.
  • Seal up any holes, cracks, or that might allow stink bugs easy access into your home.
  • Keep outdoor lighting to a minimum as stink bugs are attracted to lights.
  • If you do happen to get any of the bugs inside your home, vacuum them up with a shop-vac filled with hot soapy water. If using an upright vacuum, make sure it has a vacuum bag that is tightly sealed. Remember, do not crush the bugs or you will be smelling them.
  • If a stink bug problem develops, contact a licensed pest control professional.

Austin Pest Control

Bulwark Exterminating
209 East Ben White Boulevard
Austin, TX
(512) 291-1200
bulwarkpestcontrol.com

A Wildlife Pro
3803 Speedway
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 914-7287
austintxanimalcontrol.com

Terminix
1905 Kramer Lane,
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 236-5008
terminix.com

Big Game For The Longhorns Tomorrow

Friday, November 30, 2012 Posted by

The University of Texas Longhorns play at Kansas State tomorrow to determine the champion of the Big XII Conference and possible BCS bowl opportunities. Under no circumstances can our beloved Longhorns be crowned conference champs, even though we all know who the top program is on the block.

As the scenario goes, if the Kansas St Wildcats win tomorrow, they are the outright conference champions. If they lose tomorrow, then they will need help from Texas Christian, who plays Oklahoma tomorrow as well. If Kansas St. loses and Oklahoma wins, Oklahoma will be conference champions. If both Kansas St. and Oklahoma lose, Kansas St will still be named champions, but Texas will have more of a shot of being invited to a BCS bowl as an at-large bid. That’s still cool…right!?

I mean, c’mon, hoping for a BCS berth is better than having to go back to the Holiday Bowl and play another Pac-12 team.

As much as this may hurt some of our readers, if Kansas St. wins tomorrow, then we at Bulwark are still cheering for our Sooners. We have operations in both Austin and Tulsa (close enough), and we always cheer for our home teams whenever we can. Who are our “home” teams you might ask? Arizona State, UNLV, Texas, Oklahoma, Uni. of Houston, Duke, UNC, NC State (yep…all three!) and Tulsa. Any other school is probably going to be Division II.

So whatever happens tomorrow, LET’S GO LONGHORNS!!!

 

10 Things I Am Grateful For This Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 15, 2012 Posted by

10 Things I Am Grateful For This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving Turkey (Photo credit: tengrrl)

 Thanksgiving is fast approaching. It’s a time we gather together as friends and family and count our many blessings.

Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving is full of family traditions. One tradition I grew up with was often times challenging for me as a young kid. Every family member was required to stand and give thanks for one thing that we each were grateful for before we could dig into the “good stuff.” I waited for my long-winded mother, for what seemed like forever, as her one thing turned into many. My stomach growled as the smell of turkey crept through the house. When my turn finally arrived I quickly spouted off something to the affect of “I’m thankful for my Lego’s,” or “my new Nintendo game.” At the time this was looked at as a right of passage in order to eat all the delicious food that had been prepared. Times have since changed as I’ve grown older.

Now that I’m grown, and have a family of my own, I have kept the same family tradition of giving thanks around the Thanksgiving dinner table. I have become my long-winded mother when it comes to giving thanks. There are so many things that I am grateful for, too many to count in fact, here is a list of just a few:

10 Things I Am Grateful For This Thanksgiving

1. My wife. She’s always been my #1 fan. She’s been someone who has always given me unconditional love and acceptance not matter how much money I make, or how much weight I’ve gained or hair I’ve lost. I’m a lucky guy.

2. My daughter. Even when she’s crying and screaming, I’m grateful I have a three year old daughter who love’s me. There are a few bumps in the road, but they are usually followed by easier times.

3. My parents. Even when they still continue to tell me how to run my life, I’m thankful that I still have them around. I’m grateful that they raised me to be the person I’ve become.

4. Liberty. I’m so thankful that we live in these United States, and all the freedoms which it grants me.

5. Fishing. The feel a big fish pulling back on my fishing pole has always been my escape from all the stressors in life.

6. Education. We live in a time of learning. A world of knowledge is at our fingertips. I’m thankful that I can continue to learn and grow as a person through gaining this knowledge.

7. Football. Honestly, how boring would my life be without my favorite sports team to follow all year long? I hope I never have to find out.

8. Health. Knock on wood. I’m thankful I haven’t had any major health issues. Now if diet and exercising were a little easier, I’d be golden!

9. Food. Not to endorse any specific restaurant, but there are a couple I could eat at daily. Whether it’s tacos, steak, a spicy curry, pasta, or pizza, I love it. I’m thankful that I’ve always had food at my dinner table and had the means to provide for it.

10. Job at Bulwark Pest Control. Seriously, how cool is it that I get to come to work each day and write about bugs? Awesome!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a very special holiday. Embrace those around you and your ability to give thanks to those you love. Give thanks for all that you have in your life. What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us bug guys at Bulwark Exterminating!

$1 Million Hospital Bill After A Brown Recluse Spider Bite

Thursday, November 1, 2012 Posted by

Spider Bite Horror Story

A former law student is urging the public to be more conscious about spiders after she is slapped with a $1 Million hospital bill– The result of a Brown Recluse spider bite. 

Jane Hefferan had been dealing with a running injury for some time, so she thought nothing of a swollen knee. As her knee began to change colors, first turning a deep red then to a dark purple, she began to get a little more worried. Hefferan kept putting off the discoloration and burning feeling she felt in her leg, because she was busy studying for the bar exam. That was until her physical therapist realized she was dealing with something a little more serious than a bruised knee and urged her go seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

While at the hospital it was immediately determined that Hefferan had been bitten by a spider, and not just any spider but the very poisonous and sometimes deadly Brown Recluse. 

Hefferan was quickly treated with antibiotics, and had surgery to remove some of the dead rotting tissue around her knee that the spider’s venom destroyed. Doctors had to cut down to the bone, removing all the infected tissue, and use skin grafts to cover the exposed knee. The problem worsened as the bite continued to fester and bleed, due to a autoimmune disorder which she had. On top of it all, doctors also discover another spider bite. The two bites had left Hefferan with a leg that was basically just bone, having most of the living tissue deteriorate. 

After a four year battle consisting of 20 different surgeries, a couple dozen blood transfusions, and a $1 Million hospital bill, doctors were able to save Jane Hefferan’s leg. It was determined that the woman was bitten in her sleep; the place where 38 percent of Brown Recluse spider bites take place. 

Brown Recluse  ("Fiddleback" or &quo...

Brown Recluse Spider Bites

A bite from a Brown recluse spider will usually be painless and unnoticed at first, just like Jane Hefferan’s bite was. A day or so after the bite, the victim may begin to notice a reddening of the skin with the bite developing a red bull’s eye. The skin will begin turning colors, ranging from purple, brown, black, or blue, and look much like a bruise. As the skin deteriorates and dies, it will eventually turn white. At this point the bite can begin to become very painful. The discolored area will begin oozing a discharge as well. 

A Brown Recluse spider bite can be deadly, but it is uncommon. Brown Recluse spiders are common throughout most of the Southern United States, including most of Texas.

The Value of Pest Control in Austin

I recently wrote about a scorpion sting that left an Arizona woman with an $83,000 hospital bill here. Now we hear this unfortunate news where this Michigan woman is stuck with a $1 Million hospital bill because of a spider bite. Unfortunate situations like these can be avoided with pest control. 

Most pest control companies offer a spider control service. Bulwark Exterminating offers two distinct service plans – every month and every other month. A one year every month plan will cost a total of $623, significantly lower than a $1 Million price tag resulting from a spider bite. Don’t risk the pain of dealing with a spider bite, and don’t be stuck with a $1 Million hospital bill. Get Austin spider control!

Austin Spider Control

Bulwark Exterminating
209 East Ben White Boulevard
Austin, TX
(512) 291-1200
bulwarkpestcontrol.com

A Wildlife Pro
3803 Speedway
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 914-7287
austintxanimalcontrol.com

Terminix
1905 Kramer Lane,
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 236-5008
terminix.com

 

Austin Termite Control

Monday, October 22, 2012 Posted by


Agricultural Research Service scientists have ...

Austin Termites

Termites are frequently found infesting homes and buildings in Austin, TX. These destructive pests create major problems for homeowners and tenants by actively feeding on timber structures like: homes, buildings, telephone poles, and trees. They will feed on almost anything made of wood.

Within a colony of termites, you’ll find members of different social classes, each with a specific task to perform. Each class is reliant upon the other for the continued survival of the entire termite colony. The five different termite social classes include: the king, the queen, soldiers, workers, and what is called the winged reproductive which are young kings and queens dedicated to reproducing.

The First Termites You’ll See are the Soldier Termites

If you suspect you might have termites, keep a lookout for the soldier termites. Because of their large numbers, you will likely see the soldier termites first. The soldier termite’s sole purpose is to protect the colony from any intruder. Anytime a termite’s habitat is disturbed, the soldier termites will scuttle out of the nest and guard the opening.

Soldier termites have fat, dark heads with strong mandibles used for biting any predator that might threaten the colony. In some species, soldiers are twice as large as worker termites, and may spray noxious chemicals from a snout on the front of their head.

The Queen and Worker Termites Help the Colony Grow

The queen termites are responsible for helping the colony grow. A typical queen can lay over 2000 eggs a day, and she’ll live up to 25 years! That’s a lot of termites that can damage your property! Termite control must be aimed at eliminating the queen, as well as the other termites.

Worker termites help to build the nest, and will repair it if there is ever a breach. The worker termites are the termites that cause all the damage to your home. They spend their lives inside the nest eating, chewing, and eating some more. They are soft-bodied and will be a creamy translucent color.

Austin Termite Control

With the queen termite’s ability to lay 2000 eggs a day for 25 years, it’s a necessity for a pest control professional to eliminate this destructive pest before she, and the rest of her colony, create extensive property damage. Termites cause more damage to homes in the Austin, TX area than fires and storms combined. Yet termite damage is not covered by homeowner policies. That’s why requesting a free termite inspection is so important.

If you believe you have termites anywhere on your property, even if they are not yet inside your home, it’s best that you contact a termite control professional before they make their way to your all-you-can-eat buffet. The quicker you act, the more likely you will avoid any damage from being done to your home or property. Call for a free termite inspection today!

Austin Pest Control:

Bulwark Exterminating
209 East Ben White Boulevard
Austin, TX
(512) 291-1200
bulwarkpestcontrol.com

A Wildlife Pro
3803 Speedway
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 914-7287
austintxanimalcontrol.com

Terminix
1905 Kramer Lane,
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 236-5008
terminix.com

 

Tony Romo: Roach Exterminator

Tuesday, October 2, 2012 Posted by

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 01:  Quarterback Tony ...

Last night’s Monday Night Football game, featuring the Dallas Cowboys verses the Chicago Bears, is a game most of us Cowboy fans would like to forget. Tony Romo was 31/43, but he did have five interceptions and a fumble that led directly to three Bear touchdowns. All of us Cowboy fans were left wondering, “Who was Tony Romo throwing too?”

Upon further video examination, maybe Tony Romo was actually trying to squash gigantic roaches with the football as they scurried across the field at Jerry World. That’s why he had so many interceptions and incompletions.

See For Yourself:

We all know Cowboys Stadium in Dallas is a palace; a billion dollar shrine to all things football. This palace, also known as Jerry’s World, is in desperate need of some roach control. Last night’s game wasn’t the first time national audiences witnessed gigantic roaches scurry across the field. Here’s another example form the Redskin’s game last year:

 

Many of us in Texas have experienced problems with roaches. When we see them we call an exterminator and the problem is quickly resolved. Many of us Texans are wondering why The Dallas Cowboys will spend a billion dollars on a state-of-the-art football stadium, but have inferior roach control. While some of us are left wondering about the roach situation, The Cowboys have bigger problems to worry about right now… Like not turning the ball over five times a game.

If you are seeing roaches in and around your property, The Dallas Cowboys are, contact an Austin area pest control company today!

Bulwark Exterminating
209 East Ben White Boulevard
Austin, TX
(512) 291-1200
bulwarkpestcontrol.com

A Wildlife Pro
3803 Speedway
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 914-7287
austintxanimalcontrol.com

Terminix
1905 Kramer Lane,
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 236-5008
terminix.com

Read more at deadspin.com.