Before & After Photos

During a regular treatment service of this customers home in Colonia, NJ, we spotted the beginning of a wasp nest on the soffit, right next to the back door. As we closely inspected these stinging insects, we were able to identify them as paper wasps. Paper wasps received their name from the paper-like material out of which they make their nests. They are semi-social stinging insects that usually have brown bodies with yellow or reddish markings. A sting from a paper wasp can be extremely painful and can cause allergic reactions in some people.

For treatment, we grabbed our extendable pole, attached an aerosol product to it, and liberally treated the nest. This product rapidly neutralizes the paper wasps. Moments later, we removed the nest, disposed of it, and then applied a liquid residual application to the soffit. This will prevent the paper wasps, as well as other stinging insects, from returning to this area and build another nest.

After we successfully removed and relocated a raccoon that invaded this home in Freehold, NJ, we needed to fix the damage it caused.

We replaced the broken soffit with water pressure lumber to provide structural integrity to the area. This is also treated with an application to prevent termites as well. Afterward, we enclosed the area with sturdy, metal flashing to prevent future intrusions from any nuisance wildlife. 

Recently, a homeowner in Freehold, NJ contacted Cowleys because of a troublesome mouse infestation. Mouse droppings were all over the home. This poses a serious health hazard because droppings can contaminate food surfaces, and contain many dangerous pathogens. For animals that weighs less than an ounce, mice can transmit serious diseases and cause significant property damage with their incessant gnawing. We see a sharp spike in mouse infestations when outdoor temperatures drop in the fall and winter, and the rodents are looking to escape the harsh outdoor elements. 

Upon arrival, I stated my inspection to determine where there was active rodent activity and how they were gaining access inside and around the home. Because of their size, finding mouse entry points is a challenge. They only need a space around the diameter of a dime to gain entry inside a home. Here, there was extensive rodent activity in the kitchen, which is common since the mice are attracted to accumulated food debris and the heat and moisture in this part of the home. Mice are especially attracted to appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators because of the heat generated by the motors. 

During my kitchen inspection, I found mouse droppings and a mouse hole nearby the dishwasher. I cleaned up the droppings and plugged the hole with a chew-proof copper mesh. I also placed a rodent bait station underneath the dishwasher before closing everything back up. Next, I checked under and behind the stove. There were many droppings, but no holes. Moving onto the next room, I found a hole in the closet along with mice droppings. Mice are attracted to the dark, private locations of closets and it’s quite common to have an  unwanted mouse encounter when opening a closet door. I did the same here: cleaned up the droppings, plugged the hole with copper mesh, and placed a bait station inside. Finally, the last location inside the home where there were droppings was the garage. The garage already had some bait stations inside and I replenished the bait. 

I then turned by attention to the home’s exterior perimeter to determine how the mice were gaining access inside the home in the first place. There was a mouse hole neat the garage area that I sealed. There were already two bait stations outside the home and I replenished the bait. Based on the remaining bait, it was evident that there was heavy rodent activity around the home. With the movement of mice restricted inside the home and all of the bait stations, the mouse population and mouse sightings should dramatically drop down shortly. I’ll be returning for a follow-up to re-inspect and determine additional treatments as necessary. 

After safely and successfully retrieving a raccoon from this home in Freehold, NJ, we needed to patch up the main access point in the soffit. As we discussed different sealing options with the homeowner, she had mentioned that she didn't want any screws in her soffit. 

So we measured out the access point and cut a portion of metal flashing (that match the same color of the soffit area). We then installed it over the access point and secured it in place with a waterproof, premium adhesive.

After hearing birds chirping in her laundry room, this homeowner in Freehold, NJ contacted our Bird Services division to come out and help. After a thorough inspection, we discovered that birds were entering and nesting in a damaged dryer vent. As often happens, birds exploit the vent opening to build a nest inside the home. Damaged exhaust vents not only allow birds and other critters to gain access to your home but also allow moisture to come in, which can lead to mold and mildew problems. However, the biggest risk of all is the nesting material obstructing airflow and creating a fire hazard.

We carefully removed the nesting material and then disinfected the area with a solution that targets and eliminates bird mites. Next, we installed a magnetic vent cover and then sealed the edges with a waterproof, premium adhesive and painted the tips of screws to blend in. Now the dryer vent is properly sealed off without compromising airflow.