Pest control is more complicated than it might seem. Every pest is different, with its own set of behaviours and resistances. So, figuring out which solution is best can be quite the challenge. Your situation might be very different from the ones you’ve read about.
The following lists the steps you need to take to get rid of any pest. Though the treatment will depend on the pest, you cannot go wrong with these steps. Call Pest Control Ajax or another professional near you if you need help.
-
Clean up the house
The first step in the pest control process is to deep clean the house. Get rid of as much clutter as you can and vacuum thoroughly. Clean the floors beneath your appliances and clean the insides of your cabinets. The goal is to get rid of every food particle. Tidying up also gets rid of hiding spots, which will make your home less hospitable for pests.
Do your best to keep the house clean, when you are done. Don’t leave any dirty dishes out and clean the floors on a regular basis. Take the garbage out at the end of each day.
-
Keep food out of reach
Pests can smell the foods you keep in the pantry. Mice can also chew their way through packaging and bugs can slither through practically anything. This keeps them fed and risks making you sick with food poisoning.
Store everything in sealed containers to keep pests out. Things like sugar, flour, oats, cereal, rice, and other pantry items should be out of reach. Use lidded garbage cans and put pet food away at night.
-
Block entry points
Professionals recommend that you block entry points before you begin treatment. This traps the pests indoors and prevents any more from getting inside, so you can finally get the infestation under control.
Inspect the walls of your home very carefully and repair any cracks you find. Make sure that your window screens are in good shape and cover wall vents with mesh. Add weatherstripping to the bottoms of your doors and seal cracks in their frames. You can also close the gaps between the soffits and the walls of the home to keep mice out of the attic.
-
Dehumidify
Dehumidifying the house will deter pests and draw them out of their hiding spots as they search for water. Get a dehumidifier if your home is a little too humid and fix leaky faucets. Always turn on the bathroom fan when taking a shower or a bath and avoid leaving wet dishes in the sink for a long time.
-
Maintain the exterior
Maintain the yard for the same reasons you need to keep the house clean. Pests are drawn to overgrown yards where they can find food and shelter. So, rake the leaves, mow the lawn, and move things away from the walls of the home so there is nowhere for pests to hide. Things like firewood and patio furniture should be kept a few feet away from the house.
If you have fruit trees, pick up their fruit as soon as they fall to the ground. Use row covers to protect your vegetable patch and move the bird feeder away from the house. Restrict food as much as possible.
-
Use the right products
Once you have cleaned and excluded the house, it is time to exterminate. But before you start spraying things and using DIY solutions, research the pest you are getting rid of and use the right products. Something that has been formulated for ants, for example, won’t work against cockroaches. Use what has been formulated for the pest at hand and follow the instructions carefully.
-
Monitor progress
Monitoring the situation is an important part of pest control that is often overlooked. Check on the situation every day and don’t give up. If you’re using snap traps, you should check on them every day.
Continue to leave baits and traps out, even when you think the infestation is gone. Mice will sometimes quiet down when they have babies and bugs will go unnoticed.
-
Hire an exterminator for help
There is no shame in calling in the professionals. Exterminators provide effective services that are faster and that last longer. Even when you think the problem is under control, an exterminator can help you pest-proof your property, so this doesn’t happen again. Look for a company with good reviews and experienced staff.
