Pest Control Tips & Advice | Howey Pest Solutions Blog

Ticks in NJ: A Growing Concern for Homeowners

Ticks are more than just a nuisance in Sussex, Morris, Warren, and Passaic Counties—they’re a real health threat. With tick populations on the rise in Northern New Jersey, it’s crucial to know how to protect your family, pets, and property from these disease-carrying pests.

At Howey Pest Solutions, we’re seeing more tick activity each year. Here’s what every local homeowner should know.

Common Ticks in Northern New Jersey

The most common ticks we encounter in NJ include:

Deer Tick (Blacklegged Tick): Known for spreading Lyme disease.

American Dog Tick: Can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Lone Star Tick: Aggressive biters that may trigger allergic reactions to red meat.

These ticks thrive in wooded, brushy, and grassy areas—exactly the kind of landscape we have in Sussex County and surrounding regions.

Tick-Borne Diseases in NJ

Ticks in our area are known carriers of:

Lyme Disease

• Anaplasmosis

• Babesiosis

• Ehrlichiosis

• Powassan Virus (rare but serious)

Early symptoms can include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and rash. If you or your pet are bitten by a tick, it's best to monitor for symptoms and contact a medical professional.

Tick Prevention Tips for Homeowners

Keep your yard and family safe with these proven prevention methods:

• Keep grass trimmed and remove leaf litter.

• Create a tick-safe zone by placing wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas.

• Stack wood neatly in dry areas to discourage rodents (which carry ticks).

• Keep pets treated with vet-approved tick prevention.

• Wear protective clothing when hiking or working outdoors.

• Check for ticks daily—especially behind ears, knees, and underarms.

Professional Tick Control in Northern NJ

DIY efforts help, but for serious tick issues, it’s time to call in the pros. At Howey Pest Solutions, we provide seasonal tick treatments designed for yards, wooded edges, and pet-friendly areas.

Our tick control service is:

Pet and family-friendly

• Customized for your property

• Effective at reducing tick populations long-term

Serving Sussex, Morris, Warren & Passaic Counties

From Sparta to Hackettstown, Rockaway to Vernon, our family-run team knows the tick hotspots and how to deal with them. We live here too—and we treat every property like it’s our own.

Ready to Take Your Yard Back?

Don't let ticks ruin your outdoor fun or put your loved ones at risk. Contact Howey Pest Solutions today for a free consultation and discover how easy it is to enjoy a tick-free yard this season.

Call us at [862-354-4503]

Why Carpenter Ants Are a Bigger Problem Than You Think

Carpenter ants might not eat wood like termites, but they can cause just as much structural damage by hollowing out wood to build their nests. If left untreated, these destructive pests can compromise the integrity of your home—especially around moisture-damaged wood and entry points like windows, doors, and soffits.

At Howey Pest Solutions, we specialize in locating and eliminating carpenter ant infestations with precision and care, protecting homes across Northern New Jersey.

Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation

Spotting carpenter ants early is key to preventing major damage. Here are common signs:

  • Large black ants (¼ to ½ inch long) crawling around your home, especially at night.

  • Rustling sounds coming from inside walls.

  • Small piles of sawdust-like shavings (called frass) near wooden structures.

  • Winged ants (swarmers) indoors, especially in spring.

Why You’re Seeing Them

Carpenter ants are especially active in spring and summer. They’re attracted to:

  • Moist or rotting wood

  • Gaps around doors, windows, and soffits

  • Tree branches touching the home

  • Untreated structural wood in attics, basements, or crawl spaces

If you’re seeing carpenter ants inside your home, there’s a good chance a nest is nearby—or already inside.

Our Carpenter Ant Control Plan (With a One-Year Guarantee!)

We don’t just treat symptoms—we eliminate the root cause.

Our service includes:

  • Thorough inspection of your home and property

  • Identification and treatment of nesting sites

  • Exterior perimeter application to prevent re-entry

  • Moisture and structural recommendations to reduce risk

  • One-year service guarantee for peace of mind

Serving Northern NJ Homes

We proudly protect homes in Sussex, Morris, Warren, and parts of Passaic Counties. Whether you’re in Vernon, Sparta, Rockaway, Randolph, Newton, or nearby towns, we’ve got your back.

Book Your Carpenter Ant Treatment Today!

Don’t wait for the damage to add up. Contact Howey Pest Solutions today and take advantage of our Home Service Plan, which includes carpenter ant protection and coverage for a wide range of pests.

Call or text us at 862-354-4503 or book online for a free inspection.

Dealing with Stinging Insects in Sussex, Morris, and Passaic Counties, NJ: What Homeowners Should Know

As the weather warms up across Northern New Jersey, stinging insects like wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets become a growing concern for homeowners in Sussex County, Morris County, and parts of Passaic County. These pests aren’t just a nuisance—they can pose serious risks, especially to those with allergies or small children.

At Howey Pest Solutions, we specialize in safe and effective stinging insect control to help protect your home and family. Here's what you need to know.

Common Stinging Insects in Northern New Jersey

In the local towns we serve—including Sparta, Newton, Randolph, Rockaway, West Milford, and Ringwood—these are the most common stinging pests we encounter:

1. Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are slender, reddish-brown insects with long legs. Their umbrella-shaped nests are often found hanging under eaves, railings, decks, playsets, and porch ceilings. They will sting if their nest is disturbed.

2. Yellow Jackets

Smaller and more aggressive, yellow jackets build nests underground or inside wall voids. These pests are especially active in late summer and fall, often crashing outdoor gatherings in search of food.

3. Bald-Faced Hornets

Despite the name, these are a type of wasp—not a true hornet. Known for their black-and-white coloring, bald-faced hornets build large, enclosed paper nests in trees, shrubs, and even on structures.

Why Stinging Insects Are a Problem

  • Painful Stings: A sting from a wasp or hornet can cause intense pain and swelling.

  • Allergic Reactions: In severe cases, stings can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis.

  • Aggressive Behavior: Yellow jackets and hornets are territorial and can sting multiple times.

  • Property Risks: Some nests (especially yellow jacket and wall void nests) can cause structural damage.

How to Prevent Stinging Insects Around Your Home

  • Seal cracks and crevices in siding, eaves, and rooflines

  • Keep food and drinks covered when outdoors

  • Remove fallen fruit and trash promptly

  • Inspect outdoor furniture and playground equipment regularly

  • Call a professional at the first sign of a nest

Year-Round Pest Protection with a Home Service Plan

The best way to stay ahead of stinging insect issues is with proactive prevention. Our Home Service Plans offer seasonal inspections and treatments that help stop nests before they become a problem.

Whether you choose our Silver, Gold, or Platinum Plan, you’ll receive routine service tailored to your property’s needs—with the option to include wasp and hornet control as part of your protection.

Professional Stinging Insect Control in Sussex, Morris & Passaic County

At Howey Pest Solutions, we provide fast, targeted treatments that safely remove wasp and hornet nests. Our service areas include:

  • Sussex County: Sparta, Newton, Vernon, Andover, Franklin

  • Morris County: Randolph, Rockaway, Denville, Mount Olive, Jefferson

  • Passaic County: West Milford, Ringwood, Bloomingdale

We use residual applications to prevent reinfestation and ensure your property stays protected all season long.

Contact Howey Pest Solutions Today

Don’t risk painful stings or dangerous infestations. Let our experienced team handle the problem with professional care. We're a local, family-owned business committed to keeping your home safe from stinging insects.

Call or Text: 862-354-4503
Schedule Online: www.HoweyPestSolutions.com
Learn more about our Home Service Plans to protect your home year-round.

Mosquito Control in Sussex & Morris County, NJ: Protect Your Home This Season

Don't Let Mosquitoes Take Over Your Backyard

Summer in North Jersey should mean BBQs and outdoor fun—not itching from mosquito bites. If you're in Sussex County or Morris County, NJ, you're no stranger to these aggressive pests. At Howey Pest Solutions, we offer trusted, local mosquito control services designed for the unique conditions of our area.

Why Mosquitoes Are a Serious Problem in North Jersey

Mosquitoes thrive in humid climates and breed in standing water—something our rainy spring and early summer often deliver in abundance. One small puddle in your yard can turn into a breeding ground for hundreds of mosquitoes in just days.

Top Mosquito Breeding Sites in NJ Homes:

  • Rain-filled gutters

  • Birdbaths

  • Unused tires

  • Plastic tarps and toys

  • Plant pot saucers

Mosquito Dangers: More Than Just Itchy Bites

In Sussex and Morris County, mosquito-borne diseases are a growing concern. Common risks include:

  • West Nile Virus

  • Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

  • Zika Virus

  • Heartworm (harmful to pets)

How to Prevent Mosquitoes Around Your NJ Home

1. Remove Standing Water Weekly

Dump water from birdbaths, buckets, and plant trays.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters are a hidden mosquito haven.

3. Trim Overgrown Vegetation

Mosquitoes love shady, moist areas like dense bushes and tall grass.

Want to skip the hassle? We’ve got your back.

Professional Mosquito Control Services in Sussex & Morris County, NJ

Howey Pest Solutions offers expert, seasonal mosquito treatments that target the problem at the source.

Our Mosquito Control Includes:

  • Free inspection of your yard

  • Targeted spraying with safe, effective products

  • Monthly maintenance plans for long-term protection

  • Eco-friendly options safe for pets and kids

Whether you’re in Sparta, Newton, Hopatcong, Morristown, Denville, or Randolph, we’ve got local techs ready to help.

Why Homeowners Trust Howey Pest Solutions

  • Locally owned, New Jersey-based service

  • Licensed, experienced mosquito control technicians

  • Personalized treatments based on your property

  • No harsh chemicals—just results

Take Back Your Yard—Call Today!

Don’t wait for peak mosquito season to hit. Our local team is ready to help you enjoy your outdoor space again.

Call [862-354-4503] or Schedule Your Free Inspection Online

🛑 Termites in New Jersey: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know
By Howey Pest Solutions – Trusted Termite Experts in Sussex, Morris & Warren County, NJ

Termites are one of the most destructive pests in New Jersey, causing billions of dollars in damage across the U.S. every year—and many infestations go unnoticed until the damage is severe. At Howey Pest Solutions, we’re here to help you protect your home with expert termite control throughout Sussex, Morris, Warren, and Passaic Counties.

🔎 Common Termites Found in Northern NJ

In New Jersey, the most common type of termite is the Eastern Subterranean Termite. These silent destroyers live in underground colonies and enter your home through foundation cracks, expansion joints, and utility lines.

Key signs of a termite infestation include:

  • Mud tubes along foundation walls

  • Discarded wings near windows or doors

  • Hollow-sounding or damaged wood

  • Bubbling paint or warped wood trim

If you’re seeing any of these, it’s time to take action.

💥 Termite Damage: What’s at Stake?

Termites feed on cellulose found in wood, drywall, and even paper. They can:

  • Weaken structural wood

  • Damage floors and walls

  • Destroy furniture and insulation

  • Lower your home’s value

New Jersey’s humid climate provides ideal conditions for termite colonies to thrive year-round, especially in spring and early summer when swarms are most common.

🛠️ How We Treat Termites at Howey Pest Solutions

At Howey Pest Solutions, we use the Trelona® ATBS Termite Baiting System—a low-profile, eco-conscious solution that targets the entire colony. Our technicians are trained to:

  • Conduct a full inspection of your property

  • Install professional-grade termite bait stations

  • Monitor and maintain bait systems throughout the year

  • Provide long-term protection and peace of mind

We offer preventive options and real estate termite inspections for homebuyers and sellers Wood Destroying Insect Reports.

🏡 Serving Sussex, Morris, Warren & Nearby NJ Areas

We’re a family-owned pest control company based in Sussex County, proudly serving:

  • Newton, Sparta, Vernon, Hopatcong

  • Randolph, Rockaway, Montville, Denville

  • Hackettstown, Blairstown
    ...and many more!

💬 Ready to Protect Your Home?

Don't wait until termites cause costly damage. Let the pros at Howey Pest Solutions inspect and defend your home today.

📞 Call or text us at 862-354-4503
🌐 Visit HoweyPestSolutions.com to schedule your free termite inspection