Dial Environmental Blog

6 Signs You Need Your Soil Analyzed Growing plants or grass is a science that requires water, soil, fertilization, and soil testing.Testing soil is the only reliable method of determining the pH. Some soils are naturally acidic, while others are naturally alkaline.   The pH scale measures acidity and alkalinity within 14 divisions. The center is pH 7, which is considered a "neutral" pH. When the number goes lower, the soil becomes more acidic. When the number is higher, it is more alkaline. What is interesting to note is that soil with a pH of 4.0 is 10 times more acidic than soil rated at a pH of 5.0. Despite this, a pH of 4.0 is 100 times more acidic than soil with a pH of 6.0.   Fertilizing plants without knowing the soil pH is a guessing game. You will waste both time and money trying to figure it out....

Deer are beautiful creatures that allow us to experience a raw form of nature when they appear. They are generally extremely quiet and peaceful in presentation, known for quickly fleeing an area when spotted. What we may not realize is how destructive deer can be when they find themselves in our yards.   As beautiful as deer can be they will tear gardens into nothing but roots and leaves, ruining yards. Your garden stands no chance against deer which means your hard work and patience will be for nothing. Deer will also ruin bushes, trees, and even fencing if they’re startled and try to escape your yard. Deer are one of the last critters you want to find in your yard!  What is DIY Deer Repellent?  A DIY, or do-it-yourself, deer repellent is typically a homemade concoction that is designed to keep deer from entering your yard. Deer are highly sensitive...

  Trees and shrubs deserve to be treated with the best care we can provide. They do so much for us from providing the oxygen we breathe to improving the beauty of our outdoor spaces and they even provide nutrition for us. When it comes to maintaining healthy trees in your yard, mulching is a must! Why Should You Mulch Around Trees and Shrubs? Mulch is an all around great addition to your landscape that not only adds beauty to your outdoor space, but also fulfills a protective role as well.  Mulching protects trees and shrubs by suppressing weed growth, increases moisture content in the soil, and adds organic matter improving the overall health of root systems.  What is the Best Mulch to Use Around Your Trees and Shrubs? Mulch is a combination of organic material that comes in different forms ranging from grass clippings, shredded leaves, straw, or more commonly...

Many people welcome the slow transition from hot summer days into crisp, cool autumn nights. However, homeowners don’t necessarily realize that chilly fall weather can also bring with it unexpected house guests. It’s common for rodents, particularly mice, to seek out warm shelter during colder months. This makes it important for property owners to understand how rodents get into their homes and figure out the best way from blocking an invasion. Rodents can carry disease and create destruction during their temporary visits. Therefore, it’s best to avoid the problem right from the start by blocking rodents from getting inside your house. How Rodents Enter Your Home Rodents are highly creative when they are seeking out shelter. First, mice have body shape that makes it easy to squeeze through any ¾-inch hole. Any tiny openings, like cracks or gaps, found along home floors, walls, windows, and pipes make a great rodent doorway....

After the summer season, activity in the garden can tend to slow down a bit. While there are still beautiful blooms to enjoy, such as mums and sunflowers, you also need to prepare your garden for winter to help ensure a beautiful garden for when spring comes again. Here are some tips on how to prepare your garden for the winter. Clean Up Rotted Plants An untidy garden is never appealing, but it can also cause problems for your garden. Old and rotted plants can carry diseases, fungus, or pests. If pests are feeding on your plants, then they also may be laying their eggs there. So, is best to remove these plants from the garden entirely. However, if they are not diseased or pest-ridden, then you may wish to bury your old plants in the soil to help enrich the soil and improve its health. Remove Weeds Unfortunately, weeding is...

Summertime is fantastic - except when you're trying to have a fun summer barbeque with your family, and mosquitoes and ticks come out to feast. Luckily, Dial Environment's Mosquito and Tick Reduction Program can save you the headache of bug bites and possible Lyme disease, with the best mosquito control in Roseland, NJ.   It's a good idea to consult an expert. However, you can take steps yourself to stop mosquitoes and ticks from infiltrating your home and putting a halt on your summer backyard plans. Some of these backyard treatments might also make fun DIY projects or family activities. Tips on Repelling Mosquitos Keeping mosquitoes from invading your home might seem overwhelming. Fortunately, there are several simple, not to mention fun, solutions you can try to keep mosquitoes at bay. Remove stagnant water sources: Mosquitos use standing water to lay their eggs. If you have a birdbath or a pet's...

Asian Giant Hornet, Vespa mandarinia The impression Asian giant hornet or ‘Murder Hornet’ as it has been deemed, has arrived in the continental US. As of May 4, 2020, near Blaine, in Washington state, two reported sightings of this hornet have been reported. This impressive hornet is the largest in the world. With a length of up to two inches and a wingspan of three inches, this hornet is truly a ‘giant’. How did Asian Murder Hornets enter the US? No one truly knows. Late in 2019 a nest of Asian hornets was found and destroyed near Nanaimo, Canada, which is not far from Washington State. However, genetic testing has determined those found in Canada and those in Washington are from different colonies. What threats does the Asian giant hornet present? The Asian giant hornet is a veracious feeder. They will decimate honeybee colonies by biting the heads of the honeybees...

As a homeowner, you will need to protect your family and house from various pests like carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and other stinging insects. Ants in nature are useful because they decompose dying, decaying trees. But when they inhabit your home, they can leave a mess behind them if nobody treats them. There are a variety of clean ways to perform routine ant control and pest control without the use of toxic chemicals. Here are a few useful strategies you can implement to keep your house safe from these annoying critters. Decide on an Effective Source of Ant Bait When you see ants in your house, they are there to find food or water and take it back to their colony. Instead of killing the ants when you see them, you can set out ant bait that will be shared by the entire cology. . Ant baits hold insecticides that will be carried...

As a homeowner, it is essential to protect your investment from termites. These insects cause extensive damage to homes. In the right conditions, termites can destroy property in a very short time. So, it is vital to educate yourself about these pests. Different Kinds of Termites There are a few kinds of termites that Roseland, NJ residents might see. Subterranean termites are the type that is native to the state. However, drywood termites can also make their way into your home on wood furniture imported from other parts of the country. They are not as common, though.   There are two kinds of subterranean termites common in the state, the eastern subterranean termite and the dark southeastern subterranean termite. A termite inspection by a licensed pest company is the best way to determine the type.  What is a Swarmer Termite?  There are five different termites in a termite colony; king, queen,...

Crabgrass is unsightly and can ruin the look of your otherwise well-manicured outdoor space. If you want to get rid of Crabgrass for good, you must take preventative measures at the right time of the year. Let’s take a look at your best chance of getting rid of Crabgrass for good with a Crabgrass preventer and treatment plan. What is Crabgrass? Crabgrass isn’t native to the United States but was originally introduced from Europe as a potential foraging grass. It loved its new environment, and now there are few spaces where you won’t find it growing. It’s a summer annual, meaning the grass you see year to year isn’t the same plant. This is good news for eradication because you aren’t dealing with a stubborn root system or difficult spreading. It does require just the right timing, however, to get rid of it. Once it’s established, it’s heat tolerant and hardy,...

Dial Environmental is no stranger to the West Essex or Roseland area—our leadership team is all West Essex residents with three decades of experience that understand the unique needs of New Jersey homeowners.   Long before “going green” became a trend, Dial Environmental has been committed to providing environmentally-friendly pest control, lawn care, and mold removal services. From our first green initiative in 1999 to the present day, our company continues to search for safe and innovative ways to serve our customers while also protecting the environment.  How Dial Environmental Stays Green  Although there are multiple ways that Dial Environmental strives to stay eco-friendly, one major way is through the products we use. Unlike some pest control or lawn care companies, we do everything we can to refrain from using hazardous liquid chemicals and traditional pesticides that do more harm than good. Our green products are designed to be tough on...

Dial Environmental, an environmental home service provider centered around eco-friendly practices, has been awarded Gold in the Pest Control category for this year’s Suburban Essex Magazine Reader’s Choice Best of Essex contest. Dial Environmental’s 2019 win marks six years in a row that they’ve been a gold medalist in this category. Furthermore, Dial’s 35th year anniversary marks a personal milestone within the organization whose mission is to provide customers with world-class service. Dial Environmental focuses on offering home services that protect the property and health of New Jersey residents. Our Services are designed to encompass and protect a beautiful landscape, preventing the spread of mold and pest infestations with treatments that are not only effective, but gentle on the environment. Beyond providing a wide range of eco-friendly pest control and lawn care services, Dial Environmental is also dedicated to giving back to the community that surrounds them. Through volunteer work and...

Taking care of your home all year is necessary to keep it well-maintained and functional for years to come. With homeownership comes a lot of routine maintenance and services, like landscaping, drain and gutter cleaning, and pest control. Most services are ones we take care of in the spring, summer, and fall, making winter an excellent time to catch up on essential interior tasks that can keep your home clean, safe, and pest-free, now and in the upcoming months. The Importance of Routine Winter Interior Services It seems that most pest and mold problems you experience in your home happen during the warmer months of summer and early fall. That’s usually only because these months are when these problems are most visible. Insects and rodents are usually more active during this period, and mold grows rapidly in damp, warm environments. You might decide to save costs on home maintenance during the...

Dormant pruning is the process of pruning back your shrubs and trees while they’re dormant - no longer growing or flowering - to aid their growth in the spring and keep them looking their best. This routine maintenance is one to consider keeping up with each winter, as it is crucial to the health of your plants through all seasons. It can also keep your landscaping looking well-maintained throughout the cold winter months. Why Is Dormant Pruning Important? Dormant pruning offers several benefits for homeowners who have trees and shrubs on their property. Pruning trees and shrubs during the colder months helps keep them in their best shape for springtime. One of the most significant benefits of dormant pruning is ridding your trees and shrubs of damaged limbs. With damaged areas remeoved, your plants will be ready to grow healthy new limbs in the spring. For plants that flower or produce...

We all know from history that rodents carry diseases that can be harmful or even deadly to the human population. Remember learning about the bubonic plague in junior high? Although the chances of a mouse or rat carrying the Bubonic plague in New Jersey are slim to none, these small furry creatures will leave your searching for pest control near me once the first droppings are found. However, some severe health risks come with having a mouse in the house.  Cold outside temperatures in the winter months drive these warm-blooded animals to take up residence in warmer locations, like your house or shed. They may bring bacteria and disease into your home and put your family at risk. Rat and Mouse prevention is the most important first step for anyone trying to keep their home rodent free. Let's take a look at some of the disease-carrying mice and rats found in...

New Jersey is home to several interesting spider species, most of which are harmless. However, some spiders are armed with a poisonous venom that could cause serious health consequences to pets, children, and adults who have been ill. Let’s talk about the spiders found in North Jersey and see which you should be wary of.  House Spiders The most common type of spider found in North Jersey is house spiders. They are the daddy long leg varieties that spin webs in the dark corners. The two most common types of house spiders are the Opiliones arachnids, also known as harvestmen, and the Phocidae, commonly called cellar spiders. House spiders serve a useful purpose in the grand scheme of things. If you have houseplants, house spiders will keep insects that nibble on your garden in check. They catch those annoying flies in mid-wing. They even are quite the decorative accent during Halloween....

Dial Environmental concentrates on keeping pests outside where they belong, so you can trust the TermaPlus system to protect your home. Here’s everything you need to know about the TermaPlus Pest Preventative Program. TermaPlus Program Benefits Why should you choose TermaPlus? Benefits range from peace of mind to better property values. Peace of Mind Hearing mice skittering around in the attic or seeing bugs coming in through the windows doesn’t create a relaxing home environment. By employing the TermaPlus program, you can enjoy a clean and protected home without worrying about pests finding a way in. Proactive Approach Many homeowners don’t notice bug problems until the pests are already established. But TermaPlus’s proactive approach is preventative rather than reactive. Instead of applying toxic sprays and chemicals to your home and property, you can take a few simple steps to keep bugs from coming near in the first place. Ongoing Support Because...

Warm temperatures and never-ending days are some of the best things about summer, but the proliferation of biting and stinging pests, like bees and wasps, is a warm-weather bonus we could do without. The jarring sound of these insects buzzing around puts a serious damper on outdoor activities. The vastly different personalities of bees and wasps means knowing how to distinguish them is critical to staying safe at your next picnic since they require you to take distinct precautions. How to Distinguish Bees from Wasps Despite being frequently lumped into the same category, bees and wasps are actually quite different. Once you understand a few of their key characteristics, it’s easy to distinguish bees from wasps, or yellow jackets, as they’re more commonly known. Body Shape Their body shape is the simplest way to tell them apart. If you get a little closer—though we’re not advocating getting too close—you’ll notice there...

Nothing rivals a beautiful, vibrant lawn and well-kept trees and plants. A healthy yard adds aesthetic appeal to your home and is the perfect place for your kids to play, but attaining the ideal landscape requires care and dedication. Here are some of our top lawn and plant health care tips to get you started. Tips and Best Practices for Lawn Health Caring for your lawn is simple, but there are some things you need to know. Here are some tips and best practices for homeowners to get their lawn’s health in tip-top shape. Effective Watering Water is critical to attaining lush grass, but did you know there’s a correct way to water your lawn? Follow these general watering guidelines for well-hydrated grass. Instead of turning on the sprinklers a little bit every day, deep soak your lawn two or three times per summer. Water between 3 am and 6 am...

Given its moderate climate and abundant vegetation, it's no surprise that Northern New Jersey is home to dozens if not hundreds of species, many of which are mainly active in the spring and summer months. While silverfish, crickets, and cockroaches are certainly pervasive, stinging and biting insects like mosquitoes, ticks, ants, and wasps pose a serious risk to kids and pets who want nothing more than to play outside. What’s more, burrowing creatures such as mice and rats can damage plants, trees, and even structures like garden sheds and garages. Given that the average homeowner spends around $5,000 on landscaping, plus the cost of mowing, fertilizing and watering, it's easy to see why protecting that investment from destructive insects and animals should be a priority. How to Protect Your Yard Keeping your yard pest-free during the summer and all year long will protect your investment in and ensure your family has...