Eliminating pests is not at all fun. Those little bugs and mice running around give a lot of trouble! Sometimes, it seems like no matter what one does, they keep coming back.
However, the information here will illustrate how pests can be sent packing for good with some smart steps. The first big help is to call in an exterminator. They know how to get rid of pests using unique products and tricks of the trade. But that’s only half the battle. To win the war against pests, homeowners must also do their part.
Remember, an exterminator can only do so much; the rest is up to the homeowner to keep things clean and clutter-free so no new pests will want to move in. This article will provide some easy tips for homeowners on how to work with the exterminator.
Maintain Your Service Agreement
Most exterminators have ongoing plans that provide periodic inspections and treatments of your home. These continuing service agreements are well worth the investment for long-lasting protection. The most aggressive initial treatment sometimes misses the few pests or a re-infestation. What starts as a small problem can get out of control quickly.
With a maintenance plan, though, your local exterminator will go around your home regularly, searching for any signs of pests and dealing with the problem at an extremely early stage. If there is an infestation, before you even realize it, they can stop it before it spreads. Ongoing scheduled service also keeps a watch out for pests trying to re-enter your home from outside. This continued monitoring and protection prevents any pest problems from getting out of control in the future.
Instead of paying for numerous costly treatments as problems arise, scheduled maintenance makes long-term pest control more affordable through reasonable monthly or annual fees. Sticking to a plan is the best way to achieve lasting pest defense and peace of mind for your property.
Keeping Your Home Clean
Cleaning your house is critical to effective and ongoing pest management. Many insects and other pests have specific attractions to clutter, filth, or other natural potential sources of food accumulation, especially in their small dwellings after a certain period. Simply routine cleaning strips the elements, attracting them to become welcome guests and helping to proliferate them.
Clean weekly, vacuum all floors, mop hard surfaces, and wash laundry to stay ahead of dirt and messes. Pay particular attention to areas of the home where pests tend to frequent, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Wipe down counters, sweep behind appliances, and scrub sinks and tubs weekly. Take the trash out on schedule, and be certain to seal trash cans tightly.
You should also clean under and behind furniture, appliances, and fixtures monthly. A deep cleaning helps eliminate minute particles of food or spilled substances that may become the source of sustenance for pests. Cleaning up your home altogether denies these insects and rodents their crucial living resources.
Sealing Entry Points
Sealing cracks, crevices, or holes in your home is one of the most effective deterrents from pests entering your premises. Pests can crawl in amazingly small areas, and caulk works great in sealing gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and vents at their juncture point where exterior siding meets the interior wall area. Pay extra attention to holes that are more significant than the size of a dime, especially those under sinks or near utility lines passing through foundations. Such entry points should be occluded entirely using copper mesh or concrete patching.
Seal any holes or gaps around the structural foundation with caulk. A little time spent outside your home, sealing up holes and gaps, will be well rewarded as it will be next to impossible for ants, spiders, and mice to penetrate your protection barriers. Without an accessible entry point, pests eventually surrender and move elsewhere rather than attempt to find a way into your sealed-up and pest-free home.
Inspect Regularly
Perform a weekly thorough inspection of baseboards, crawl space, and attic, including areas where pests can hide. Early detection of minor problems will save considerable effort and prevent larger pest infestations from getting out of hand.
Look for signs like droppings, shed skins, structure damage, or unusual activity. Note areas that will need special attention or follow-up. Frequent inspections allow you to promptly take appropriate actions against pest infestations and reduce the recurrence rate. This keeps your area clean and free from any pests. Regular monitoring will ensure a healthy and safe atmosphere.
Keep Landscaping Clear
Keep the landscape well-groomed to help decrease pests’ access to your home. Overgrown bushes, tree branches, or piles of wood touching the exterior allow for a convenient avenue of approach. Prune vegetation regularly to keep plants from touching your walls or windows.
Remove any debris that might attract leaves, logs, or other items, which can be used by insects and rodents for shelter or as a bridge. Consider creating a clear, bare strip of ground around your foundation. This barrier makes it hard for pests to approach your home quickly, thus providing a cleaner and more secure environment while discouraging unwanted intrusions.
Final Thought
Your exterminator’s work can last longer if cared for and regularly complimented. Your significant contribution to the operation can consist of providing shelter and nutrition for pests and giving them access to your home during treatment and afterward. Preparation of the home regarding vulnerabilities and inclusion of inspections into the routine maintenance category will be a great start.
Regularly inspect for these pests and take earlier action against any infestations to prevent re-infestations. Seal all cracks and crevices to block access to entry points and keep your space tidy to eliminate food sources.
