There is no denying that pest control plays an important part in the health, wellbeing and protection of your family against disease spreading cockroaches, rodents and annoying ants, flies, wasps, moths and other creepy crawly pests!
Your first impulse might be to rush to the nearest store and buy a can of some sort of pest spray that you see on supermarket shelves but so many of those store-bought insect repellents contain ingredients that are can be harmful to family and pets as seldom either do not follow the instructions and use spray than is required or reapply the spray which can even be more dangerous. There are better ways to keep the pests outside without endangering your health of your family or pests.
- Keep your eyes peeled
Your best defence is prevention and that means keeping dishes in the dishwasher or washed up not leaving them out on the sink overnight. Wipe down bottles after use and look for tell tale signs that show you that they are around.
- Even your landscaping can be problematic
Try keeping shrubs and branches well groomed away from your walls, so pests don’t make the natural transition from their home to yours. Anything that connects your property to the great outdoors can be a trouble spot. Windows, vents, pipes, chimneys, and roof tiles are just some of the spots pests will sneak through to gain entry. If you find open spaces near vents or pipes, use caulk to fill small cracks or steel wool for larger gaps.
- Stay dry
Water is doubly dangerous for encouraging pests. Wet areas serve as both breeding ground and drinking fountain. Places in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry can be damp. If you find excessive moisture in these areas, consider fixing the problem immediately by calling a plumber or add further ventilation.
- Cleanliness is the key
Keeping your home clean is the best way to keep pests away, especially the kitchen where crumbs and other potential treats summon the hungry pest. And on days you don’t feel like tossing the trash, make sure your bins are covered or even sealed.
- Don’t make your house a bug buffet
How do you get rid of an unwanted human house guest? Make your home as inhospitable as possible when you put the snacks away, the party is over. Pests are no different they came to eat, so keep food in sealed containers or in the refrigerator. Fresh fruits might make a nice table centerpiece, but pests are attracted to your fruit.
- Know when your enemy has you beaten
You did all you could, but not every pest problem can be solved with a dash of chili powder. For instance, getting lots of itchy bites in bed? Bed bugs. Could be trouble.
Termites also call for the services of a professional licensed pest control expert as they can do extensive damage that is NOT covered by insurance. One of the many visual signs is If you find piles of discarded wings or piles of “frass” (a.k.a., termite droppings), these are sure signs you have a problem. The trouble with termites is that by the time you see termite evidence they have already done damage to fences, beams and window frames etc!
