Termite Control Tips For Winter

termite infestation can cause significant damage to a home. Every year, these pesky critters wreak havoc on properties, resulting in an estimated $5 billion in damages for around 600,000 homes.

If you find yourself dealing with termites, addressing the infestation often requires a lengthy and costly termite control treatment.

It’s important to note that unlike some common household pests, termites do not take a break during the winter season. Subterranean termites, in particular, are especially troublesome because they feed around the clock and reside underground, much like your home’s foundation.

Termites do not hibernate; instead, they seek warmth by tunneling deeper into structures, causing even more damage during the colder months.

Winter is an ideal time for termite control in Myrtle Beach. If your home is already infested with termites, it’s crucial to eliminate them promptly. However, even if you don’t have an active infestation, this season provides an opportunity to fortify your home and prevent potential pest problems in the future. This guide will help you understand more about termites and how they can impact your home during the winter season.

Termite Activity During Winter

termite-2-300x200.jpgWhile termites are more noticeable during the summer and spring when they leave visible tunnels in search of new habitats, they are harder to spot during the winter. Don’t let this lull you into a false sense of security, though. Termites remain active year-round, including during the winter months.

Winter Pest Control Treatments

Take Myrtle Beach pest control measures to treat wood within at least one inch of ground level, including your home, wood decks, trees, leaf piles, and other fibrous materials that can attract termites. Although termites primarily inhabit wood, they can also live underground and burrow through soil to find new areas for colonization.

As temperatures drop, termites actively seek new places to establish colonies, and your home’s foundation is an attractive option due to its warmth, moisture, and readily available food sources.

What to Expect from Winter Termite Control Treatment

Termites are relentless in their activity, regardless of the season. Armed with this knowledge, consider scheduling a termite inspection with a pest control professional in Myrtle Beach who can provide expert guidance.

For effective termite control, contact us at Zap Pest Control, and let us address your termite infestation concerns.

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Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/

Areas Served: Surfside Beach SCCarolina Forest SC, Conway SC, Little River SC, North Myrtle Beach SC, Socastee SC, Myrtle Beach SC

Mastering Total Termite Control: Safeguarding Your Property

Nestled within a realm of enchanting natural beauty and timeless allure, Myrtle Beach offers a haven for both residents and visitors. Yet, amid the picturesque landscapes and serene lakes, an uninvited threat lingers—a termite.

These relentless pests, including the cunning drywood and the tenacious subterranean termites, pose a substantial risk to the very structural integrity of your cherished dwelling. To protect your property against their insidious menace, it’s not only essential to grasp the signs of their infestation but also to deploy effective prevention measures.

Recognizing Signs of Termite Activity

Within the intricate tapestry of termite diversity, the tapestry of this locale hosts a duo of formidable players: the drywood and subterranean termites. The former, showcase a palette ranging from creamy white to light brown.

They thrive within colonies comprising up to 2,500 members, demonstrating a predilection for desiccated hardwood. In contrast, the subterranean termites exhibit a palette that spans creamy white to dark brown or black. These industrious creatures exhibit an affinity for moist, decaying wood, making their abodes within the subterranean realm.

Watch for these telltale signs of termite activity:

  • Transformed wood structures, marred by blisters or shaded patches
  • Infinitesimal, circular perforations dotting wooden surfaces
  • Discarded wings or the residual presence of frass—drywood termite feces
  • Altered operability of windows and doors, a result of their secret workings
  • Conspicuous mud tubes adorning your home’s exterior, the artistry of subterranean termites
  • A distinctive softness and hollowness when you tap on wood
  • The dramatic arrival of termite swarmers on your property

Should these indicators emerge, consider it wise to summon the expertise of local pest control experts in Myrtle Beach.

The Impact of Termites on Structural Integrity

Termites are not known for their swift and dramatic destruction; instead, they employ a gradual yet relentless approach that can erode the very foundations of your dwelling. While these minuscule creatures don’t halt their wood-chewing endeavors even for a moment, the damage they inflict accumulates over time, potentially undermining the structural integrity of your abode.

Their ceaseless gnawing is relentless and can lead to profound deterioration. This appetite knows no bounds, encompassing not just wood but also paper, cardboard, drywall, and even cotton—a testament to their persistence within our dwellings.

termites-1-300x200.jpgThe subterranean termites, architects of tunnels and mud tubes, employ these passageways for travel, security, and sustenance. Despite their subtle impact, the cumulative damage incurred over time can cast a shadow over your home’s stability. If you’ve observed the presence of these pests within your domicile, swift action is imperative, and consultation with pest control in termite removal is paramount.

Empowering Prevention: Your Shield Against Termites

While the realm of DIY termite control for active infestations remains rife with challenges, the realm of prevention shines as a potent defense against these invaders on your Myrtle Beach property. Explore the practical, impactful steps that can transform your dwelling into an inhospitable terrain for termite colonies:

  • Embed a practice of routine home inspections, wielding vigilance to detect the earliest signs of termite presence.
  • Erect barriers by sealing potential entry points, effectively thwarting their attempts at intrusion.
  • Foster a proactive stance by scheduling an annual inspection with seasoned pest termination professionals like Zap Pest Control Inc.
  • Regulate indoor humidity through the strategic placement of dehumidifiers and the meticulous ventilation of crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
  • React promptly to any signs of leakage within pipes, faucets, and AC units, minimizing the allure of damp environments for these pests.
  • Disrupt their proximity by storing firewood and wooden materials at a prudent distance—20 feet from your residence.

By wholeheartedly embracing these guidelines, you instigate an environment hostile to the flourishing of termite infestations. Should even the faintest whisper of suspicion arise regarding termite activity on your property, swift action is paramount—reach out without delay. Our dedicated team of exterminators stands ready to undertake a meticulous inspection of your dwelling, culminating in a comprehensive strategy for fortifying your haven.

If the need for a termite inspection beckons, call Zap Pest Control Inc. now.

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Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/

Areas Served: Surfside Beach SCCarolina Forest SC, Conway SC, Little River SC, North Myrtle Beach SC, Socastee SC, Myrtle Beach SC

Do You Need A Termite Bond?

termite may creep up in your house without your knowledge. They are also known as silent killers. They feed on wood and your floors without you knowing until you see signs of damage.

In case you have faced such a pest infestation before, you are most likely familiar with pest control services as well as the bonds. For termite infestation, you may be offered with a termite bond. But the question is, do you need one?

What is a Termite Bond?

If you are not sure if you need a termite bond or not, the information listed below will give you a better understanding of what it is and what it is for.

A termite bond is like a maintenance agreement. It is a warranty between you and the pest control in Myrtle Beach company. There are instances where the infestation returns once again after a successful pest control treatment. Basically, the termite bond exist to provide you a peace of mind.

You will have a termite warranty certificate. It is comprised of two elements.

There is an agreement to perform inspections for the entire duration of the contract, which is every two years. Termite inspections could also be conducted every quarterly, annually, or on a specific schedule that’s been agreed upon.

There is also an agreement to provide control and treatment if there is a termite infestation. These two crucial elements don’t need any extra fees. However, several bonds include a serve upfront that you have to pay for before the inspections.

termite-2-300x199.jpgTermite Bonds Pros and Cons

A termite bond will play an important role when selling or buying a home. A pest infestation will be needed before selling or buying a property, and a house that’s filled with termites will cause some issues along the way. That’s why it’s crucial to make sure that you are familiar with the indications of a termite infestation before any damage takes place.

Furthermore, not all houses can have a repair bond and several pest control specialists just cover the retreatment of the affected structure but doesn’t cover repairs of the damages. Before agreeing to a bond, be sure to find out if the retreatment and repair are included or just one. You should also find out about eligibility as well as the associated costs.

Where Can I Get A Termite Bond?

Only an authorized pest control service can offer a termite bond. You can ask a home inspector to help you out. He may know a pest control company that can assist you.

Do I Need A Termite Bond?

A termite bond is required if you are under these circumstances:

  1. You recently found out that you have a termite infestation at home.
  2. If you are planning to sell your house. Finding termites can delay the sale of your home. So you better get a termite bond first before going through a home inspection. This holds true if you recently had a termite infestation and you managed to get rid of it with the help of an exterminator. But you’ll need a termite bond if you are afraid that the termites will creep up on your home once again.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. if you need the help of pest control specialists in getting rid of termites from your house.

Like our Facebook page for more information about pest control services.

Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/

Areas Served: Surfside Beach SCCarolina Forest SC, Conway SC, Little River SC, North Myrtle Beach SC, Socastee SC, Myrtle Beach SC

Why Must South Carolina Residents Need Termite Control This Summer

South Carolina’s summers are hot and humid, and termites can pose a serious danger to your home. As spring approaches, termite activity and swarming increases. You cannot eliminate termites on your own. It is important to seek professional treatment from a pest control company with experience.

Why termites love South Carolina

Our area in South Carolina has a humid, warm climate that is perfect for termites. Unfortunately, we live in a state that is home to Formosan, Drywood, and Subterranean termites. Formosan termites are the most destructive of the three. They can form colonies that contain millions of termites.

When to Expect Swarmers & Termite Activity

Myrtle Beach termites usually swarm after a warm spring rain. In South Carolina they could swarm in smaller numbers through summer, so keep an eye on signs of termite activities. They swarm to find a mate and establish a new colony. This is when you may see the most activity from termites. This does not mean that termites are the most active at this time. Termites are active in the summer and autumn months when they build their colonies. They are usually hidden behind walls or inside wood, or even under your floor, causing extensive damage to your house. If the conditions are ideal, they will continue to be active in your home throughout the year. This can cause extensive damage to your home and expensive repairs that homeowners insurance does not cover.

Why Professional Treatment and Prevention is Important

Termites are almost impossible to control using DIY methods. You can try to discourage termites by keeping your property and home dry and clear of wood debris, but it is usually ineffective. It’s better to hire professional pest control services.

A professional termite prevention and treatment plan is essential to protect your home. Call Zap Pest Control Inc.  now.

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Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/

How to Prevent a Termite Infestation

It’s the time of year when termite swarms, which can cause major problems for homeowners. These pests are capable of causing serious damage to your house, furniture, and other structures. This can lead to expensive repairs. Take preventative measures this spring to avoid termite invasions.

Keep termite problems at bay with these five tips:

1. Keep Wood away from Your Home

Wood is a natural attractant for termites, so any wooden structures near your home could be an invitation to them.

To prevent a termite infestation, store old furniture and untreated wood away from your house. Keep them away from your home at least five feet and up to five inches. The further the better. Avoid stacking wood near your house’s foundation or against the exterior walls.

Consider getting rid of any wooden furniture or structures that you don’t use or storing them as far from your house as possible.

2. Mitigate Moisture Levels

Keep moisture under control in your home and surrounding areas. Termites love moist environments. Make sure that your gutters and drains are working properly and that they direct water away from your home’s base. Check for leaks and standing water around the foundation of your house or crawlspace. Fix them immediately to avoid creating the ideal environment for termites. When it comes to termite control, it is important to have good ventilation in your attic, basement, or crawlspace.

Termite-2-300x200.jpg3. Seal any cracks or holes in your home’s exterior

One important pest control tip is to seal any cracks or holes on the exterior of your home to prevent termites from entering. Seal any holes or cracks in the foundation, walls, and roof. Use silicone-based caulk or other products. Check your home’s exterior periodically to find any cracks or holes in the siding that require sealing.

4. Avoid Excessive Mulch Use

Mulch helps retain moisture in the garden but can also attract pests. Use a small amount of mulch to cover the foundation of your home. This will help keep it moist and attractive to termites. If you do use mulch, keep it at least five feet away from the foundation of your home (just as with any other wood material).

5. Regularly schedule termite inspections

Regular termite checks can help you identify any termite activity before it becomes an issue. Schedule a professional inspection of your home every year or so to make sure it is free from termites.

Pest control experts can detect any termite activity and will recommend measures to prevent damage or future infestations. Call Zap Pest Control Inc. now.

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Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/

When and What To Expect During the Termite Season?

You are most likely not too worried about termites for now. But, always remember that prevention is important when it comes to stopping termite damage and the best time to prepare is now.

Termites will begin swarming in early spring and if you still don’t have any plans set in place for termite treatment, then you should think about getting one right away. Although swarming termites don’t lead to structural damage, it is an indication that a termite colony is working hard close by. This could indicate structural damage to your house that could lead to thousands of dollars worth of repair costs. So what should you do?

Termite Prevention

There are many termite control methods and determining which termite solution is the most suitable one for your house could be overwhelming. This is all about your protection and safeguarding your most important investment as well. And because termite damage is not covered by your homeowner’s insurance, it is crucial not just to have your whole house treated but also have a reliable termite warranty.

Termite Treatment Options

In case you want to understand how termites work, you could try DIY termite pest control. There are many options for this from termite baiting to conventional liquid barrier treatments. This could be a hard task if you’ve got slabs linked to your basement or house. A liquid barrier should be finished without any breaks to make sure that termites are kept out. Do you need a pest control professional? Call Zap Pest Control Inc. now.

Liquid Barrier Termite Treatment

A few pest control companies in Myrtle Beach will suggest a liquid treatment when you have damage or active termites. This will give long-term and instant termite protection. Be sure that your termite company will include a warranty with your treatment, one that will cover retreatments as well as any damage caused after treatment.

Borate Wood Treatment

This kind of termite treatment is best if your home is in the construction stage. The wood frame will be treated using a product referred to as borates, which are elements from the earth. It will provide you with long-term termite pest control protection and also help keep common household pests at bay.

Termite Baiting Systems

Baiting systems have been proven extremely effective when it comes to getting rid of the whole termite colonies underground surrounding your house. Compared to liquid treatments, they are less invasive, come with a lifetime warranty, and are best for existing and new home construction. It is an eco-friendly way to protect your house from termites, by getting rid of the use of chemicals.

Other Termite Pest Control Tips

Always keep mulch far away from the perimeter of your home because they are a common food source for termites. Always keep things that are made of wood away from your house as well. These include cross ties, firewood, or any construction project that you are currently working on. They are all possible food sources for termites. Don’t forget to clean your gutters. Termites are attracted to moisture so make sure that you keep your home dry.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. if you need help in getting rid of termites from your home.

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Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/

Which Is The Better Termite Treatment: Bait or Liquid

Subterranean termites destroy wood and cost property owners in the country billions of dollars every year in repair costs and extermination. However, it doesn’t have to be like that. You could stop termites even before they get in your home. The two ways that work best are baits and liquid barriers. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of baits and liquid barriers.  Determine which termite treatment works best for you.

Two Types of Termite Treatment

Liquid Barrier

This process, which produces a barrier of termiticides in the soil surrounding a structure to kill off termites that pass through, has been the standard in the industry when it comes to controlling termites for several years. This process is very effective, however, it has two disadvantages.

You need to bore holes and also trench around the structure’s foundation and this could sometimes be filled with problems. Second, there are a few liquid barriers that perform a wonderful job of getting rid of termites. However, they do nothing to eradicate the colony that’s sending workers to go through the barrier. Once the liquid barrier gradually wears out, worker termites will find a way out.

Termite Bait

Baits function in two ways. They could be used to check termites and they could also be used to kill the termite colonies. At Zap Pest Control Inc, we find a pest control method that could monitor and kill these pests.

Termite baiting works by getting rid of the workers in the termite colony. If the worker termites are killed, the colony will be starved of food and will then go into a “decline” or suppression phase. The soldiers and queens will die of starvation since they cannot find food for themselves. If the queens cannot eat since they no longer have workers, they will die and the termite colony will starve and then be eliminated.

Termite baits have cellulose along with a slow-acting insecticide which would disrupt the regular growth process of these pests. Within weeks of eating the bait, termites will be eliminated as they try to molt.

The delayed action is crucial. In case the bait is killed right away, sick as well as dead termites may pile up near stations, boosting the likelihood of avoidance by other pests near the area. The delayed reaction will enhance transmission of the lethal ingredients to their nest mates, such as those that never ingested anything from the termite treatment Myrtle Beach.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. if you are looking for experts who can deal with termites on your property.

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Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/

How to Spot Flying Termite

The termite is one the most destructive pests in the area, and they can be difficult to spot. These insects have been around since the Stone Age. It’s not because they are so friendly. It could cause serious property damage if these wood-eating pests manage to get into your home.

Often, the first sign of an infestation is a pair of wings. We have the information you need to help you identify these pests. Learn the basics of termite control in Myrtle Beach by reading on.

What are Flying Termite?

Flying termites are a sign of an infestation. These insects are the reproductive members of winged termites. When a colony is large enough, they send out swarmers to create new nests and expand. They can land on your porch and eat your wooden structure if they find their way in.

What it means if you find flying termites on your property

Trouble can only come from a termite swarm. The termite swarms are only able to fly out for a short distance, meaning that they could be nesting nearby. It’s likely that these wood-eating insects will soon invade your home. Don’t wait to contact professionals if you see any termite swarms. It is crucial for the structural integrity of your house.

How to make your home less attractive to termites?

A solid foundation of preventative measures is the key to effective pest control treatment in Myrtle Beach. It’s difficult to find and eliminate these pests once they have established themselves within your walls. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent them from ever getting inside. These are some of the most effective and easiest ways to reduce the risk of termite infestations in your home.

  • Make sure your yard is free of any organic debris, such as stumps and mulch, and branches.
  • Take out any damaged or rotting wooden fixtures such as fence posts or playsets.
  • Firewood should be stored in a safe place, away from your home.
  • Seal any cracks, holes or crevices in the exterior of your house.
  • Get window screens and door sweeps.
  • Reduce excess moisture in your home.
  • Water can be diverted away from your home by keeping your gutters clean.
  • Make sure you have good ventilation in your home and make repairs as necessary.
  • Eliminate termite colonies that have been established around your property.

For ongoing guidance and treatment, partner with a qualified pest control specialist.

Although it is a lengthy task list, it is necessary to create a solid foundation for termite prevention. These pests can be very destructive and sneaky so don’t be afraid to call the experts.

The Best Method Of Termite Protection

It doesn’t matter if you need to be protected or if you have already found evidence of termite damage, it’s never too late to call the experts. To get the best termite control, contact Zap Pest Control, Inc.

We have the most up-to-date tools and techniques to eliminate any termite population efficiently and effectively. To ensure that your home is free from termites, call us now. Contact us today for more information!

Like our Facebook page for more great info about a termite treatment.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. now and let our team take care of all your pest problems.

Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/

How To Reduce Termite Treatment Costs

Among the most time-consuming and costly problems homeowners face are termites. Millions of dollars are spent each year on termite treatment, prevention, and extermination. Even with these rising prices, homeowners could still take preventative measures to make sure that the costs of their termite treatment will remain reasonable.

Homeowners have different options to cut back on these costs. A termite inspection is a wonderful option for the homeowner who would like to go for a proactive approach for their termite treatment in Myrtle Beach. This option, if conducted on a regular basis, could help in reducing termite treatment costs over time and will help prevent the termites from causing extensive damage to your home.

What Should You Look For and Where Should You Look For A Termite Treatment

A termite inspection will serve different purposes. Termite inspections, when done regularly, could help in the prevention of future infestations, help determine the severity as well as the size of an existing infestation and know what, if there is any, termite damage might already be present. The first thing that happens during a termite inspection is to search for signs of termites inside and around the property.

Termite tubes are the most typical signs of an existing termite infestation, even though other signs might be present based on how long termites have been eating away. Also referred to as mud tubes, termite tubes are small trails that run up the exterior and interior of the house. These tubes are made of termite saliva and are partially digested wood from the colony, along with different organic materials that might be present.

What Happens During A Termite Inspection?

The time it will require to conduct a termite inspection will depend on certain factors. Taking the complexity, size, as well as number of places to search, an inspection could take anywhere from half an hour to three hours.

These inspections must be performed every twelve months to make sure that you remain on top of any termite issues. If you reside in arid climates such as the desert, termites are inevitable. If you are considering doing the inspection yourself or hiring a pest control expert, there are a few things you need to consider.

The size of your house must be the first thing you have to consider. First of all, the size. A 1500-square feet property or a 5,000-square meter will make a DIY termite inspection a hassle. You need to also assess the accessibility to the different areas of your house.

Some attics, for instance, do not have enough rooms to move and the crawl spaces might be too tight that some adults would not be able to fit through the opening. You also need to consider how old your home is. Older houses could have unique places that are hard to get to. Another important consideration is the landscape. Plant life could make it harder for you to inspect your home for termite infestations.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. if you need professional help in getting rid of the termite infestation in your property.

Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/

When Do You Need A Termite Inspection?

Termites could cause a lot of problems at home. However, it is always not easy to know that there’s an existing infestation. Getting a regular termite inspection from a professional pest control company will help make sure that your house stays termite free.

There are four kinds of termites – subterraneanFormosan, dry wood, and dampwood. These four types of termites thrive in varying climates. These pests eat 24/7 and even cause major damage not only to your house but also to the surrounding structures.

Checking For Termite Inspections

The simplest way to determine if you have termites at home is to see them. To look for termites, look for damp areas of your house, especially around the wood. You might also find swarms of these pests around the windows as well as other parts of your house after a rainfall. If that is the case, you should get in touch with a pest control company right away to deal with the issue.

Termites develop mud tunnels once they cannot eat a specific substance. For instance, when termites feeding on a wood beam in your house finds concrete, they will make a mud tunnel to follow until they discover a different food source. You may also see mud tunnels in the foundation. The tunnels, which are about the pencil size in width, mean there is a termite issue. In case you see a mud tunnel, you must hire an exterminator to check your house.

Finally, the most typical sign that you have a termite infestation is wood damage. This could be difficult to detect since termites ruin the inner pats of the wood and do not always leave markings outside. In case of wood damage is too much, it may begin to show blistering or darkening on the outside. Regularly poking woodwork with a screwdriver to check if it crumbles is a wonderful way to inspect for termites on your own in between checks. In case you discover that the wood crumbles or indicates unusual indications of damage, you must call a pest control specialist right away to check the source as well as the severity of the issue.

How Often Should You Get A Termite Inspection

Termite inspection takes on an important role when it comes to keeping your house safe and well kept. Home inspections must include a termite inspection. However, if yours doesn’t include one, make sure that you have one done when buying a house. When that initial inspection is carried out, it does not mean you will always be in the clear. You must still have routine termite inspection to ensure that your house isn’t infested and to get important information on how you can prevent one.

You must have an expert visit your house once a year to inspect your house for termites as well as termite damage. The professional will check the interior and exterior of your house and the crawlspaces as well as the attic and the basement. Depending on the size of the house, the termite inspection will last about 45 minutes. When the inspector finishes the inspection, the pest control in Myrtle Beach expert will recheck the findings with you and discuss any needed treatment or preventive measures that you have to take. If you do this regularly, you can make sure that your home will remain termite free for several years to come.

Call Zap Pest Control Inc. if you want your house inspected for possible termite infestation. Our team will also help with the treatment and preventive measures.

Zap Pest Control Inc.
2507 Forestbrook Rd Suite G
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-654-1927
http://zappests.net/