How to Get Rid of Common Household Pests
Pest control is a frustrating but necessary part of homeownership. Ants, mice, bed bugs, and cockroaches are quite common all over the world. Anyone can get them. If you’ve been seeing the signs of an infestation, know that the problem will go away if you take the right steps. All it takes is a little patience and determination.
For results that you can count on, contact Exterminator Whitby or a professional in your area. A technician will inspect your property and provide you with a lasting solution.
If you want to get rid of pests yourself, follow these 5 crucial steps:
Research the pest
The first thing you should do when getting rid of pests is to do some research. Find out exactly which pest you are dealing with by comparing images and looking for the most common signs. Then, get what you need to treat the problem. Some pests, like bed bugs and cockroaches, should be removed by a professional. Pesticides and traps are designed for specific species, so it is important that you are sure of what you are trying to remove.
Act fast
Pests multiply very quickly and the problem risks getting out of hand. The sooner you can act on the issue, the better. Call a local pest control company immediately or begin the treatment yourself. Don’t expect the pests to go away on their own. There is a reason they have settled in your home, and they probably want to stay.
Keep the house clean
While it is easier said than done, it’s important that you keep your house clean while getting rid of pests. Deep clean the kitchen, vacuum thoroughly, and reduce clutter all around the home. Make food as inaccessible as possible, storing pantry foods in airtight containers, and washing the dishes every day. Cleaning up the home will make food scarce, forcing the pests to consume the bait. It will also get rid of hiding spots, which will bring pests out into the open and prevent them from reproducing.
Set lots of traps
Once you have cleaned up the house and researched the pest, it’s time to attack. Target the pests directly by placing the appropriate traps or baits in the most strategic locations. For example, if you have been finding mouse feces under the kitchen sink, place one or two snap traps there and anywhere else you found signs of activity. Pesticides and traps must be placed wherever the pests go for them to be effective.
Check your traps every day and continue to target the pests for weeks after activity stops. Some pests will quiet down for a few weeks before blowing up again. Continued extermination is key.
Block entry points
Pests come in from outside, so it’s important that you block their entry points. Rodents will sometimes go in and out, and if you get rid of the problem without addressing the source, you risk getting pests again. Grab a flashlight and take a look around the outside of your property. Look for cracks and openings that could be letting in pests and seal them shut. Use caulking for small gaps and stuff holes with steel wool. You may also want to add weatherstripping to the bottoms of your doors and replace your broken window screens.
Hire a Pest Control Company When You Need Help
If you feel like the problem is getting out of control, contact your nearest pest control company for help. A licensed technician will have access to professional-grade products that work better than any DIY solution. He or she can also find where the pests are coming from and pest-proof your property for you. It may cost you more than you’d like to pay, but professional solutions work, and many companies provide warranties with their service. Call a professional as soon as you need help.
