Pest Control 101: Everything You Need to Know
Pest control is complicated stuff. Understanding where the pests came from and which solution works best can be very confusing. Every situation is different.
Many people feel stressed out and overwhelmed when faced with an infestation. So, here is a quick list of everything you should know about pest control. We hope it helps you get started.
If you need help, contact the professionals for pest control in Port Hope or near you.
Pests come from outside
Pests don’t appear out of thin air. They come from your yard and from your next-door neighbors. They might also be brought into the house accidentally, in things like used furniture and luggage.
Keep this in mind when protecting the home from an infestation. Examine the exterior walls of your home and fix any openings you find. Common entry points include:
- Window frames and broken screens
- Door gaps
- Cracks in the foundation
- Cable lines and A/C units
- Wall vents and weep holes
- Soffit gaps
- Roof damage
Cover vents with steel mesh and use pest-proof materials like caulking, mortar, and metal flashing for everything else. You should also maintain your yard to help keep pests away from your property. Keep things like leaf piles and firewood away from the walls of the home and mow the lawn on a regular basis.
Pests are attracted to food and warmth
Being a little messy doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get pests. It’s the simple fact that our homes are warm and full of food. If there are pests nearby, they will be drawn to the smell of the foods you keep and the comfortable temperature of your home.
That said, you can help prevent an infestation by storing food in sealed containers and keeping garbage out of reach. Sweep, vacuum, and mop regularly to get rid of crumbs. Keeping the house tidy will also get rid of hiding spots, which shelter pests.
Treatments vary between pests
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to pest control. Every species is different and requires its own special approach. Some pests are also remarkably adaptable. Cockroaches, for example, are constantly developing resistances to pesticides.
It’s important that you research the pest you are dealing with – for instance, you may have found rodent droppings in attic but without the expertise of a pest control expert are unsure if they come from a rat or a mouse – to ensure that you use the most current and effective treatment option available. Use pesticides specifically formulated for the pest at hand and follow their instructions carefully. Do not mix products together and use caution.
Bed bugs are still common
Between the 1950s and 1990s, many believed that bed bugs had gone extinct. Bed bugs were so rare that people had stopped knowing what they looked like. Insecticides were much harsher are more dangerous than they are now.
Today, bed bugs are unfortunately quite common. Watch out for these little brown bugs when traveling and staying in hotels. They can also be picked up in laundromats, movie theatres, classrooms, and used furniture. Use a mattress cover and wash your bedding in hot water.
Pests are more common at the turn of the season
Pest problems are most common when the weather changes. In the summer, bug populations explode, and mice come crawling into the house for the air conditioning. In the winter, they come to escape the cold.
Be on the lookout for pests when the seasons change. Take the time to deep clean the house and check if it needs any maintenance. Fix humidity issues and seal entry points to help keep pests out.
Exterminators are the most reliable
There is a plethora of pest control products available in stores and all kinds of information available online. However, the most reliable solution is to hire an exterminator. Pest control professionals use pesticides that work a lot better than the ones found in stores, and they have the training to use them most efficiently.
Contact an exterminator if you are dealing with a particularly difficult pest, like cockroaches, bed bugs, or rats. They can find the source of your problem and help you find a permanent solution.