Pests, like ticks, cockroaches, and rats, spread disease and can cause significant damage to your home. They also contaminate food and cause health problems for you and your family. Residential pest control services effectively remove and control these pesky creatures from your home. However, preventive measures are crucial to avoiding pest problems in the first place.
The best approach for controlling pests in your home is a combination of prevention and eradication. The goal of pest control is prevention, especially when the pest’s presence and abundance can be predicted. Pests such as mice, cockroaches, and bedbugs can be controlled and eradicated in certain circumstances. For instance, plant diseases can be prevented by understanding the conditions under which they are most prevalent. Pest control professionals may recommend a specific type of treatment for specific pests.
In residential pest control, seasonal changes can greatly impact the pests that invade your home. Spring and summer are prime seasons for pests, as they are looking for new food, water and shelter sources. They also want to mate and breed. Certain pests are more active during a certain time of year and may even be more difficult to treat.
Termites, ants and mosquitoes will be in high populations during this season. While most of these pests will stay outdoors, some will come indoors in search of warmth and safety. That includes cockroaches, spiders and rodents. During the fall, ants and spiders may migrate into your home in search of warmth and a safe place to nest. They’ll look for dark and damp areas in your basement, attic and other places where they can hide from cold weather.
Pest infestations are common in residential settings and can cause many problems for property owners. They can lead to serious health concerns and even damage the structure of a home or business. The signs of a pest infestation vary from species to species, but some classic indicators include finding fecal droppings, urine trails, or evidence of nesting in the walls. This is especially true for rodents and smaller insects like bed bugs.
Odd smells and sounds are also warning signs that a problem might be present. Rodents, for instance, might leave a rattling sound or pattering in their footsteps. Having a professional inspect your premises is essential in identifying an infestation. This can help avoid any long-term damage to the building’s structure or the people living there. A trained pest specialist can identify the problem, provide effective treatment and ensure that your property is safe for everyone.
Residential pest control is about preventing infestations before they become a problem. This means removing sources of food, water and shelter to prevent pests from entering your home in the first place.
One of the most effective ways to prevent pests from getting inside your home is to check for openings that can be exploited. This means checking the foundation, window and door frames, loose siding, roof and utility lines to make sure they don’t have cracks or holes that pests could exploit. Then, take steps to seal or patch those openings. This includes using quality sealant or knitted copper mesh along baseboards, pipes and drains to keep pests out of your home.
Fortunately, pests can often be prevented with home maintenance and simple changes in hygiene. Keeping food in properly sealed containers, taking out trash regularly and disposing of garbage disposals are all great ways to keep pests at bay. But it’s also important to do your part to prevent seasonal invaders from entering your home in the first place. Eliminate potential entry points by repairing roof damage, ensuring vent covers are in good condition and ensuring screens are in excellent shape.
It’s also worth examining your yard and garden to make sure there is no possible way for pests to nest. Trim back bushes and trees that are close to your home, eliminate piles of leaves or woodpiles, and avoid standing water in gutters and downspouts.
Before hiring a pest-control company, be sure to do some research on the type of pest you’re dealing with. The Better Business Bureau and state departments of public health and agriculture offer useful information. A pest-removal expert will be able to help you choose the best pest control company for your specific problem. When in doubt, consult your local government agencies or university extension services. Most state departments are happy to help you. If your pest-control company has a service guarantee, the customer is protected.