Pests can wreak havoc in your home, destroying your food, possessions, and perhaps even the home’s actual structure. Pest control is essential to prevent this damage from occurring and to protect the health of you and your family. However, pest control must be done effectively so it eliminates the pest you are dealing with while protecting the safety of those in the home. To ensure pest control efforts in your home are effective, follow the do’s and don’ts below.
Do Prevent Pests
One of the best ways to ensure you never deal with pests is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. The best pest prevention tips are as follows:
- Remove food and water sources for pests from inside and outside the home.
- Seal access points, including exposed wood, holes around ventilation pipes, and gaps in foundations.
- Inspect items, particularly wood and fabrics, before bringing them into your home.
- Ensure garbage cans have a lid and are tightly closed at all times.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Keep your yard and home clean and clean up anything that could attract pests right away.
Do Not Leave Traps or Chemicals Out in the Open
Pests generally like to stay out of sight anyway, so there usually is no need to keep traps and chemicals out in the open. Doing so could attract children and pests, and these products are very harmful to their health. Always block off areas after spraying with chemicals, and keep traps in or behind cupboards and cabinets where children and pets cannot reach them.
Do Identify the Pest
Not all pests are created equally, and each will respond differently to different treatments. For example, the type of treatment used on bed bugs is not the same treatment used for fleas. You must properly identify the pest you are dealing with, so you know what pest control measures to use.
Do Not Use Indoor Products Outdoors, or Vice Versa
You may think you can save a couple of bucks by not purchasing separate products for inside and outside your home, but doing so is dangerous and could mean your efforts are futile. Pest control products intended for outdoor use are typically much more potent than those meant for indoor use. If you use indoor chemicals outside, they will likely not be effective. Likewise, if you use outdoor chemicals inside your home, they could be very toxic to the health of you and your family.
Do Know How to Dispose of Remaining Products
Pest control products have the potential to be very dangerous and as such, they are labeled as hazardous waste. Hazardous waste needs to be disposed of very carefully and there are often specific instructions on the product itself of how to do it. If there is not, contact your local municipality to learn of any hazardous waste programs available that will allow you to dispose of the product properly.
Do Not Mix Products
Again, pest control products often contain many chemicals and are toxic. It is always important that you do not mix certain products, particularly when it comes to pest control. Doing so could make you very sick and in some cases, it is even fatal. Also make sure that you always follow the instructions on all labels, as well. Using a dose that is more than what is recommended does not necessarily mean the product will be more effective.
Do Tell Your Neighbors
Pests will not always confine themselves to just one area. If there is easy access to nearby homes that have food and water sources for the pest, they will invade that area, as well. You should always tell your neighbor when you are dealing with a pest problem so they can better protect their own home against it. Telling your neighbors will also help you control your own problem. If your entire community becomes overrun with a certain type of pest, the problem will be much more difficult to get rid of for everyone in that area.
Do Not Leave a Problem Too Long
Dealing with a pest control problem is often the last thing a person wants to do. However, pest control problems do not go away just because you ignore them. In fact, they will become much worse. It is always best to get rid of pest problems as soon as you spot them to prevent them from becoming worse.
Do Call a Pest Control Company that Can Help
Sometimes, you may be able to control a pest problem on your own. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If you have a serious pest problem, our pest control experts at Pointe Pest Control are here to help. Call us today at (866) 633-1573 or contact us online to request a quote and to learn more about how we can help.
