Pests can be troublesome, particularly if they find their way into a home. Carpenter ants and beetles can nestle in firewood piles. Spiders and cockroaches can invite themselves into your home. What irritates most is when they go to the extent of destroying the property inside your house and even in your garden. Eradicating or controlling massive pest infestation can be an overwhelming task. Particular types of pests are hard to control and often require the services of a competent pest control service provider. If you are currently battling with pest infestation, then below are seven quick pest control tips to guide you.
Quick pest control tips
1. Identify the type of pest
The first step to effective pest control management is the identification of the type of pest. Identifying the type of pest will enable you to develop and adopt the most appropriate control measure. A slight mistake in the pest identification stage can render your control efforts ineffective. In fact, it can even pose risks to the environment and people around you. There are several pest identification experts to consider. A local Cooperative Extension Service can help you identify the type of pests in your home or garden. However, beware that though pest identification may be free, there are some costs associated with it. By identifying the type of pests, you can decide on how much pest control activity you can tolerate. It may be an occasional ant in your home or a resistant insect in your garden.
2. Learn more about the pests
Pests go through life cycles and stages. Some pests are detrimental in certain stages. You can equip yourself with adequate knowledge to be able to bring these pests down. Learn where they are gaining access and block their entry. Screen and fix all the holes you find in your home. You may consider checking doors and windows for gaps. If it’s possible, you can replace window stripping to block them from getting in. You can also inspect roofs and ceilings for gaps. Gutters and downspouts must be in proper working condition. Pets too can bring fleas and lice into a home. Humid bathroom or faulty kitchen pipe can give rise to the growth of mold the and mildew. Pile of leftovers can also attract pests. Ensure to clean your kitchen counters and sweep floors daily. Standing water can invite mosquitoes. You may also need to clear all stagnant water. Rotting leaves in your gutters can potentially invite pests into your home.
3. Trim trees around your home
Ants love a cool and damp environment. An excellent way to prevent them from getting into your garden and home is to trim overgrown tree branches. Prune trees and ensure that they are several feet away from your roofline. This gives rise to sunlight and provides proper air circulation. Decorative landscape and shrubbery and should also be about ten feet from your home. This helps to reduce the chances of ants getting into your home.
4. Observe how you store firewood
Stacking firewood or any other wood materials against your foundation can provide food and harborage for several pests. Termites love living in the wood. If you don’t store your firewood properly, you may be letting termites into your home. Firewood should be stored about 5 or 10 feet away from your home. Again, you may also consider putting firewood on racks and some inches above the ground. By doing so, you’ll be preventing ants, termites, and other pests from getting direct contact with firewood.
5. Consider Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management, IPM can aid you to resolve your pest issues. It is also preferred because it doesn’t pose any risks to the environment and people around you. IPM can be used to control and manage several types of pests. It focuses on long-term prevention of pests. In IPM, you use only non-chemical and less toxic pest control solutions. Techniques that are utilized in IPM include habitat manipulation, biological control, use of resistant varieties and modification of cultural practices. Proper pesticides can only be used when there is need. Proper guidelines should be followed when using pesticides. Monitoring and correct identification of pests are vital for proper pest management and control in IPM. The key thing about IPM is that you can take proper actions when pests are about to pose a major problem.
6. Ventilate all the moist areas of your home
Bugs and mold are common in damp places. If your home has poor ventilation, then there are high chances of pest infestation. In case the ground is damp naturally, then consider installing a vapor barrier to reduce pests. Crawlspace, windows, and doors should be tight. If you have a wood floor, ensure that moisture content does not exceed 22%. Beyond this level, it gives rise to fungi growth and other related pests such as termites.
7. Find help from a professional
If all your pest control efforts are in vain, you may need to contact a professional for help. A professional with proper certifications in pest control and management can sort all your pest worries. Some pests are resistant to pesticides and can be tough to control. Pests are very common, especially during winter. Roaches, Wasps, bees, termites, mold, ants and hornets will invite themselves into your home. Find a reputable pest control expert to help you. You can check their licensing, reviews and the type of pest control services they provide. The number of years they have been in business can also aid you to determine the quality of services they provide. Great pest control companies will deliver unique and customized pest control services. Hiring qualified professional is key particularly during immense infestation.
Conclusion
Pests can make a home uninhabitable. Pest control is the responsibility of any homeowner or occupant. Prompt control measures can help reduce the extent of the infestation. It is vital to make a home practically immune to pests. There are several ways you can do so right from proper disposal of garbage and cleanliness to trimming and pruning trees around homesteads. Some pests can be hard to notice. You can have your home inspected today.
