January 2026 – The Bellamy Team

There are some home projects that can be handled by homeowners (painting the guest room) and others that are better left to the professionals (installing electrical wiring in the basement). The same is true for pest control. Visit https://www.benspest.biz/ for more information.

Ants

Ants are a common pest that can cause serious problems for homeowners. Their tiny size and persistence make them difficult to control, especially when they’re breeding and spreading throughout your property. If you’ve tried over-the-counter ant baits, sprays, and natural remedies without success, it’s time to call a professional for help.

Using a combination of targeted treatments and preventative measures, professional ant exterminators can get to the root of the problem. They can also provide long-term protection by developing a pest management plan that includes regular follow-up treatments and inspections.

In addition to providing effective treatment, pest control services are often less expensive than DIY solutions. Plus, they can save you from costly repairs caused by structural pests like carpenter ants, which tunnel through wood and weaken the structure over time.

Homeowners can spot ant infestations by seeing large numbers of ants indoors, finding ant trails in multiple areas, and noticing a musty or odorous smell. Often, these signs indicate that a ant colony is nearby. Ants are in search of food and water, so they can easily enter homes through cracks in walls and floors and under appliances. They’re also commonly found in pantries, kitchens, and bathrooms where they can be near sugar jars, honey containers, fruit bowls, and other food items.

A major factor in DIY ant removal failure is that it fails to address the colony and queen. Ants are social insects and will send out scouts to find food, so if over-the-counter ant traps or sprays kill only the scouts, the ant population will simply grow again. Professional ant exterminators will eliminate the entire colony and its nest to stop the infestation in its tracks.

Another reason to call in a professional is that certain ant species pose health risks, such as fire ants, which deliver painful stings, and sugar ants, which can contaminate food with bacteria. Professional ant exterminators are trained to identify these dangerous ants and take the proper precautions to protect you, your family, and your pets.

If you’ve seen a trail of ants running between your home and the outdoors, it’s a sign that a scout colony is nearby. Professional ant exterminators can help you close off entry points and treat the area with targeted ant control products to prevent future invasions.

Rodents

Rodents are one of the most challenging household pests to manage. These critters are highly adaptable and can survive with limited resources in even the most remote areas of your home. While traps and poison may kill some of them, they often fail to address the underlying problem. Moreover, recurrent infestations can be indicative of deeper issues that require professional intervention to resolve.

Whether it’s a rat gnawing on wires or mice droppings in the kitchen, rodents aren’t just a nuisance; they can also cause serious health and property damage. Rodents are known to spread a range of diseases and even contaminate food sources. They can also gnaw through drywall and other structural elements, causing costly repair bills. In addition, rodents breed rapidly, meaning that a single mouse or rat can multiply into a colony that’s difficult to control with store-bought solutions.

The first step in determining whether you need a rodent control service is to look for signs of infestation. Chew marks on food packaging, scurrying noises in the attic, or the presence of rodent droppings are all strong indicators that you need to take action. You should also pay close attention to the size of the rodent droppings, as this can help you determine the species involved in your infestation.

Once you’ve spotted the telltale signs of rodents in your living spaces, it’s important to act fast. Unlike some other common household pests, rodents reproduce rapidly, with each litter containing five to 15 babies. Additionally, rodents are skilled at climbing and hiding, making it easy to miss a large infestation until you spot damage or nesting materials.

In addition to removing the rats or mice from your home, a quality rodent control service will also seal entry points and prevent new ones from entering. This includes addressing gaps around pipes, vents, and windows, as well as the smallest crevices where rodents like to hide. Many services also include ongoing monitoring, preventing the return of these pesky critters. By using a comprehensive approach, professionals are better able to achieve long-term results and protect your family’s safety.

Bed Bugs

If you suspect a bed bug infestation, it’s best to call a professional pest control company right away. However, there are some things you can do on your own to help mitigate the situation until the exterminators arrive. Start by examining your mattress seams, bed tufts, and adjacent furniture for signs of bugs. Look for stains, eggshells, and the musty smell that’s unique to bed bugs. If you find these, wash all bedding, linens, curtains, rugs, and clothes in hot water and dry on the highest heat setting. Scrub mattresses and bed frames with a stiff brush, vacuum every surface of the bedroom, including windowsills, molding, and closets, and carefully inspect any new or second-hand items you bring into the house.

It’s important to understand that while itchy bites are a sign of bed bug presence, the itching isn’t caused by the bugs themselves but rather the reaction your body has to their saliva. These opportunistic bloodsuckers are drawn to warmth and carbon dioxide, so they’re often found in hotels, apartment buildings, dorm rooms, shelters, trains, buses, and even cars. Bed bug bites can itch all year round, but they tend to be more prevalent during the rainy season.

Keeping your home clean, reducing clutter, and washing clothing regularly can reduce the size of an infestation and make it easier to spot early. You can also use non-toxic pest control methods such as biopesticides, which are plant-based and don’t contain harmful chemicals. These are effective when sprayed directly on infested areas, but they may take a week or more to take effect.

Insecticides may be necessary to eliminate serious infestations of bed bugs, but they’re only effective when applied by a licensed applicator. Over-the-counter total-release aerosol foggers have been shown to be ineffective against these pests, and they can be dangerous to humans and pets if misapplied or overused. Pest management professionals have access to a wide variety of registered products and the know-how to properly apply them. They can also identify and isolate infestations, which allows for a more targeted approach that’s less likely to cause collateral damage.

Termites

When it comes to termites, the most costly and destructive pests homeowners can face, DIY treatments are typically not effective. While store-bought sprays and bait stations can temporarily reduce visible activity, they do not reach the heart of the colony. Termites nest deep within walls and tunnels, far beyond the range of surface treatment options. Only a professional can use specialized tools to accurately identify the species, target specific areas of damage and provide comprehensive solutions that penetrate hidden colonies.

Because they subsist on cellulose, the main component of wood, termites silently undermine the integrity of structural components, including beams and wall supports, over time. While initial signs often appear minor, such as a blister on a wall or pinholes in wood, they can be an indication of a severe infestation. As the problem continues to grow, it can eventually lead to weakened support structures and collapsed floors or ceilings.

Unlike other types of pests, many termite-related damage repairs aren’t covered by standard home insurance policies. This is because termite damage is considered preventable by most insurers, who classify it as an issue that could have been avoided through routine maintenance and regular inspections.

As such, it’s important to get a termite inspection as soon as you suspect damage, even if it’s only small blisters or wood rot. It’s also a good idea to schedule regular annual inspections, especially if your property sits on a slab or has a crawl space.

A professional will conduct a thorough inspection of your property and determine if the damage is cosmetic or structural. This can be determined by observing evidence such as mud tubes on foundations or walls, piles of frass (termite droppings that look like sawdust) and warped doors or windows. If an inspection reveals severe structural damage, a professional may recommend extensive repairs.

In addition to restoring structural stability, professional pest control services include ongoing monitoring and barrier applications that prevent future infestations. Combined with proper home maintenance and timely repairs, these strategies provide long-term protection for your property investment.

The right paint finish enhances a space’s aesthetic while meeting practical requirements like durability and moisture resistance. Choosing the correct finish requires understanding the unique advantages each option offers and how it can be applied professionally.

Modesto Cabinet Painters use specialized products that offer the durability required for this type of project. Attempting to save money with inferior products often leads to premature failure and costly repairs.

Semi-gloss

With a higher sheen than satin and less reflective than gloss, semi-gloss paints provide a nice balance between durability and cleanability. They’re an ideal choice for doors and trim that need to withstand frequent scrubbing, such as in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. The slick surface repels moisture and dirt, making it easy to wipe away fingerprints or smudges.

Satin paint offers a soft sheen that hides imperfections and creates a smooth, even finish. But it’s not as durable as semi-gloss and may lose its sheen if it’s scrubbed frequently or with abrasive cleaners. It also requires more regular dusting to avoid build-up and stains.

Satin and eggshell are popular choices for larger wall surfaces because they’re both highly durable, easy to clean, and offer a subtle sheen that doesn’t overwhelm your space. But if you want your door trim and architectural details to stand out, consider opting for semi-gloss. This paint’s high sheen reflects light and highlights details, making it an excellent choice for window casings, crown molding, baseboards, doors, and cabinetry. It’s also a great option for high-humidity areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms where moisture resistance is a must.

Satin

Satin is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms due to its durability and ease of cleaning. This finish withstands moisture better than eggshell, making it ideal for high-traffic areas where grease splatters and other messes are common. Its smooth finish is also easy to wipe down, preventing buildup and maintaining a clean appearance over time. Satin paint is also a great option for trim and molding, as it enhances architectural features with its light reflectivity.

While glossy surfaces may be visually appealing, they can be difficult to maintain. Gloss magnifies wall imperfections, including dents and scratches, and requires a well-prepped surface. Its sheen can also appear too intense in casual spaces like living rooms and bedrooms, creating a look that is overly sterile or industrial.

Eggshell is a more practical choice for most homeowners, as it offers a soft sheen that hides imperfections and complements a variety of home decor styles. Its durable finish is ideal for low-traffic areas that do not see a lot of wear and tear, while still providing a subtle sheen that highlights color depth. It is also easier to clean than flat paint, reducing the risk of staining and grime buildup. Choosing the right paint finish can significantly impact both the look and functionality of your space. Our professional painters can help you make an informed decision that best fits the needs and aesthetics of your home or business.

Pearl

A pearl finish is the perfect way to add a touch of luxury to your living room. This unique finish contains tiny light-reflecting particles that create a shimmering, iridescent effect. This stunning finish is available in a wide range of shades, so you can find the perfect color to complement your existing furniture and accessories. When applied properly by experienced professionals, pearl paint can transform your living room into a warm and inviting space.

To achieve the best results, apply multiple coats of pearl paint and allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next one. Also, be sure to use high-quality brushes and rollers for a smooth and even application. Finally, seal your finished surface with a clear topcoat to protect and extend the life of your new coating.

Pearl and metallic finishes are the ideal choice for bringing movement, depth, and luminosity to any space. These specialty coatings are composed of microscopic reflective particles, often mica or metal flakes, suspended within the base paint. This allows them to capture and reflect light from all angles, resulting in a soft, radiant glow.

However, it’s important to note that pearl and metallic finishes require a higher level of expertise than standard flat or satin paints. When applied improperly, these finishes can appear gaudy and glittery rather than luminous. Our artisans are trained to carefully layer multiple coats of these finishes and to use specialized tools to ensure that the reflective particles are properly distributed and oriented.

Matte

Many homeowners love the natural look of matte paint, which enhances a surface’s original texture and reduces glare. It also works well on concrete and masonry, as it can help hide stains and other flaws.

Matte finishes also provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere that’s great for living rooms and bedrooms. They’re especially suitable for older homes that have settling and slight wall irregularities, as they conceal them better than glossier finishes. They’re also easier to touch up, as light doesn’t reflect off of them as it does on glossy surfaces.

The versatility of matte paints allows you to experiment with different color combinations and textures in your home. Dark hunter green with a matte finish, for example, can transform your kitchen into a modern library and complements wood accents and textured fabrics.

Cabinet painting is one of the most detail-intensive projects in your home, and it’s important to hire a professional who will use degreasers to properly clean surfaces and apply high-quality materials designed to last. Budget shortcuts may save you money upfront, but they can lead to flaws like visible brushstrokes or drips that will cost more in the long run to fix. Professional cabinet painters know how to avoid these shortcuts, ensuring that your new cabinets will be a lasting asset for your home.

Flat

Flat paint has no shine or reflective properties, which gives walls a soft, velvety appearance. Its matte texture feels smooth to the touch and hides imperfections, resulting in a refined, gallery-like quality that works well in bedrooms and formal living spaces. However, its low durability and washability make it unsuitable for some spaces.

Hides Wall Imperfections

Because it’s less shiny, flat paint covers up surface blemishes and flaws much better than higher-sheen options. This means it’s a top choice for covering walls with small nicks, cracks, and other imperfections. Its non-reflective surface also minimizes glare, which can be distracting in areas where people work or read, such as offices and meeting rooms in Barrington or Bartlett.

Rich Color Depth

The lack of reflectivity makes flat paint ideal for enhancing deep and bold colors. Its velvety appearance creates a sophisticated look that’s perfect for accent walls in your Bartlett home or office, while also complementing natural textures like stucco and reclaimed wood.

A quality cabinet painting project is one of the most detail-intensive home improvement projects. It requires specialized equipment and proven processes, not just any house painter. Professionals use high-quality materials designed to resist moisture, grease, and heat for long-lasting results. While budget shortcuts may seem convenient, they can result in a subpar finish that looks patchy and faded over time. This can cost you more in the long run when you need to repair or repaint your kitchen cabinets again.

Acrylic

A type of polymer, acrylic is a versatile material that gets worked into everything from aircraft canopies to nail polish. Acrylic is also a popular choice for paint finishes because it resists cracking and peeling over time. This makes it ideal for high-traffic areas in commercial properties. Its durability helps to reduce maintenance costs for property managers over time.

A water-based formula, acrylic is easy to apply and clean up. It also dries faster than other types of paints, which reduces downtime for facility projects and allows workers to resume operations sooner. This feature saves money on paint and labour expenses for property managers.

Acrylic can be tinted to a wide variety of colors, allowing it to match different aesthetics and surfaces. It can be used on walls, ceilings, trim, metal, and wood, making it a versatile option for any type of commercial surface. The versatility of acrylic paint is further enhanced by the use of additives, called mediums, to modify its properties. These include retarders to slow drying, flow releases for better color blending, and iridescent, pearl, and interference paints that add shimmer and reflective characteristics.

The durable nature of acrylic paint also helps to protect surfaces from moisture damage, which is common in many commercial spaces. It also resists fading and yellowing over time, helping to maintain vibrant colours that can attract customers and employees.

When Should You Call a Professional Instead of Trying DIY Pest Control?