Pests are a part of life. They come in all shapes and sizes, from ants to scorpions. Some of these pests can be helpful or even beneficial for the environment, but most will do nothing but cause trouble for humans and their homes. Pests carry water-borne diseases such as E coli and West Nile virus which can lead to serious consequences if contracted by humans or pets. It is important to have an understanding of the different types of pests so you know how best to deal with them when they arrive at your doorstep. The following article discusses some methods for ridding your home of common household pests including insects, rodents and termites.
The most common pests found in home are ants, cockroaches and spiders. Homeowners should make sure to be extra careful when removing these insects because many could carry viruses and other diseases. For example, the West Nile virus is spread through mosquitoes which can be easily confused for a housefly or wasp. The best way to evade the spread of diseases from pests is to avoid them in the first place.
1. Call the Pros When You Need a Hand
Pests can lead to all kinds of health problems for people. According to Metro Pest Control “rapid, reliant and responsive pest control” is important for maintaining long-term results. If you find yourself with a serious infestation problem then the best thing to do is contact a professional who can use stronger chemicals than those available for personal use in stores.
2. Keep Food Garbage and Pick Up Trash
An important aspect of keeping your home pest-free is to make sure that you store food in tightly-sealed containers like Tupperware, metal canisters, or even zip-locked bags. Keep fruit high up off the ground to avoid ants. Also, remember to pick up any trash that may be lying on the ground outside or inside your house; this includes candy wrappers, crumbs, and other bits of food debris.
Cockroaches are attracted to trash because it provides them with shelter and water (if there is standing liquid). If you clean your home regularly you will avoid attracting pests.
3. Use Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)
IGRs are growth regulators that control the insect’s ability to reproduce. These compounds disrupt the production of chitin which is an essential component in the exoskeletons of insects. This will prevent them from laying eggs and therefore keep their populations in check. Most IGRs work similarly to birth control in humans. The main drawback with this type of pest control is that it can take about three months before they start working on a colony because it takes this long for new eggs to hatch. Use IGRs in conjunction with other methods, like physical traps or baits, when dealing with larger population problems.
4. Rodent Control
These types of pests need different approaches than bugs do in terms of prevention. For example, you have to be very careful about leaving any food out that is not in an airtight container. A single mouse can eat enough in one night to qualify as a full meal for an entire family of four. Some pest control companies will set traps outside the house for mice around the perimeter; however, they are most often used inside where pests are easier to locate and remove.
5. Use Traps or Spray Bait with Poison
There are many different types of poison pellets or sprays available at home improvement centers that are specifically designed for certain insects, including cockroaches and ants. The advantage of using these poisons rather than IGRs is that they work faster on larger colonies, killing off large numbers very quickly. Brush liquid poison in baseboards along the floor because many bugs will not be able to crawl over it, but rodents can.
If you do not want to use poisons or sprays inside your home around children and pets, then try homemade remedies instead. For example, if you place bay leaves in areas where cockroaches are normally found then they will avoid that area completely. Diatomaceous earth is also another great way to keep pests away without poison; this method dries out insects by cutting through their exoskeletons when they walk across it.
6. Seal Up Cracks and Holes
Pests can be kept out by sealing up cracks and holes in your home’s foundation, siding, attic, and basement. If you have a home that is built upon a slab foundation, then it will help to keep any moisture under control with a dehumidifier. Never leave any standing water where bugs could breed because this will eventually lead to an infestation problem.
Caulk these openings with a silicone-based caulk, even if they are small cracks or holes that you do not think things can crawl through. It is also a good idea to check for holes in your screens before heading out for vacation or extended periods of time.
7. Fix Clogged Gutters and Get Rid of Clutter
Because rodents do not have the ability to jump, they will take shelter from predators in any low-lying area that is easily accessible. Pests often make their home in spaces underneath decks or balconies where there are dirty gutters or under porches where there is a layer of hard-packed soil that provides excellent insulation for them during winter months. To keep pests out you need to be proactive by inspecting your property on a regular basis. If it looks like rodents have taken up residence in any nooks and crannies then you should spray that area with some sort of deterrent. Do not kill rats or mice inside, because this will pose a serious health risk to you and your loved ones by potentially spreading disease through airborne pathogens.
Pests can take a lot of time and effort to eradicate from your home. The best way to deal with the problem is by taking a multi-pronged approach that includes dealing with food sources, keeping clutter in check, and sealing any holes or gaps where pests may be living. If you have an infestation issue then it’s better to call professionals who know how to handle large populations using more potent chemicals than what is available for personal use at stores. Pest control doesn’t need to be expensive though; there are many affordable methods out there like diatomaceous earth which dries out insects by cutting through their exoskeletons when they walk across it without killing them immediately.
