While it is not possible to control natural forces that influence pest populations, there are some things that can be done to limit their impact on the home or building. Regularly checking outside for wood piles that are near the foundation, keeping gutters clean and trimmed, and avoiding overgrown grass can help reduce the potential for pests to invade the property.
When they’re in full force, pests can wreak havoc. They may contaminate food and water, spread disease, or simply create an unwelcoming environment in your personal space. In some cases, cockroaches or mice can trigger asthma attacks in children and adults, and they also contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Historically, exterminators were focused on killing the pests that invaded your home. They used a variety of toxic chemicals that were dangerous to humans and pets. But this method was inefficient and didn’t take into account the reasons why the pests were there. Even with the best of intentions, it was impossible to guarantee that the pests would never return.
Repellent
Some pests, such as cockroaches and rodents, can carry diseases that can harm people. Cockroaches are known to cause a range of infections, including diarrhea, while rodent droppings can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Mosquitoes are another common problem, and they can spread mosquito-borne illnesses.
Generally speaking, pests are undesirable organisms such as insects, weeds, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, or vertebrate animals that damage property or annoy people. They may also displace or disrupt other organisms or habitats.
When the pest is identified, you can then consult your local insect guide or a similar source of information to learn its natural history and behavior, factors that favor its development or spread, and methods for its prevention or control. This knowledge will help you design a control strategy that is effective, appropriate to the situation, safe for people and the environment, and in compliance with local, State, and Federal regulations.
Pest Identification
Another effective control method is to use a commercially available peppermint oil. This can be sprayed on cotton balls and placed in areas where rodent activity is noticed. However, this type of repellent can wear off relatively quickly and will need to be reapplied often.
Prevention
Rodents are extremely destructive pests that cause millions of dollars in property damage yearly. They also carry disease-causing microorganisms, pollute food and spread filth throughout homes and businesses. Rodents can transmit these diseases directly through contact with their urine and feces, or indirectly through fleas, mites and ticks that feed on infected rodents.
Inspection
Chemical Pesticides are solutions that disrupt a pest’s nervous system, metabolism or reproductive systems. This can kill it or make it unable to reproduce, removing its ability to damage or harm organisms. Common pesticides include repellents, which deter pests from entering or coming close to a building, and insecticides, which kill insects. These chemicals may be bought as over-the-counter products or applied by trained professional pest controllers.
Rats are quick to reproduce and can produce a new generation every 21 days. Because of this, a single rat can quickly turn into an infestation that requires dozens of snap or glue traps to eradicate. Homeowners should use a variety of trap types and place them strategically around the property to catch all members of the rodent family.
When setting traps, always wear rubber gloves to avoid handling dead rodents and to protect yourself from zoonotic disease pathogens. After handling trapped rodents or resetting traps, thoroughly wash your hands with a general household disinfectant and hot water.
Some of the most common pest control methods include removing their food sources and other resources, sealing off entry points, and providing regular maintenance and inspections of outside spaces and inside quarters. They may also provide preventative tips for homeowners that can be easily implemented, such as storing food in pest-proof containers or fixing leaky pipes.
Integrated pest management (IPM) uses preventive and control methods to treat pest problems as they occur, limiting the need for chemical sprays. It includes scouting, monitoring and trapping pests, and assessing the damage they are doing. IPM focuses on treatment for targeted pests only, which minimises the impact on people, animals, plants and the environment.
Trapping
Biological Pest Control
Pest control is the process of managing and preventing pests, such as insects, rodents, and other animals, from causing damage to crops, buildings, and other areas. There are a variety of pest control methods, including physical methods such as traps and barriers, and chemical methods such as pesticides.
A big benefit of pest control services is having technicians experienced in common bugs in your area. These pros have years of experience tracking how pests move and finding them in their common hideouts. They know exactly where to look, what to look for, and the most effective ways of treating infestations.
If you're dealing with a pest infestation, you can expect to pay between $50 to $250 on average for DIY treatments or between $150 to $350 for one time professional services.
Preventative treatment for ants, cockroaches, and other common pests: 15 to 30 minutes. Removal of active ant or cockroach infestations: 90 to 120 minutes or more depending on the extent of the infestation. Heat treatment for termites: 4 or more hours.
Termites have earned their reputation as one of the most dangerous pests in terms of property damage because of how quickly they can gnaw their way through the wood and completely destroy a house's or building's structural integrity.
Termites.
Bed Bugs.
Cockroaches.