Bugs! While they definitely have their place in the world, most of us will agree that place is not in our homes.
If you are currently experiencing a pest control issue, you may be thinking about calling an exterminator. But have you ever wondered what an exterminator does to rid your space of pests?
Step One – Control
Bugs like ants and roaches usually come into your home searching for food. The first step to freeing your home of pests is to make that as difficult for them as possible. Your pest control specialist will help you learn to reduce their food supply, and thus their numbers.
• Do not leave food uncovered or laying out for long periods of time. This includes pet food and water dishes.
• Leaky drains and dishwashers provide moisture for bugs. Make sure to take care of any plumbing issues to help reduce vermin.
• Trash cans should be stored outside. If that is not possible, take the trash out daily. Wash your trash receptacle frequently to ensure there is nothing left for bugs to eat.
• Don’t leave open containers of food in cabinets and drawers. Invest in plastic storage containers to keep your cabinets bug free.
Once your living space is free of things that attract the bugs, your pest control specialist will usually spread a protective layer around the perimeter. This will ensure that bugs will not run to these areas once their nests are destroyed.
Step Two – Securing the Source
While step one will drastically reduce the number of bugs you see on a daily basis, it will not rid your home of them. To do that, your specialist will need to find the source of the infestation.
The exterminator will thoroughly check areas where vermin commonly nest. These are usually dark, moist areas, such as:
• Cabinets and drawers
• Behind refrigerators and stoves
• In closets, especially if there is a water heater
• Around baseboards and decorative edgings
• Bathrooms
Once a nest is found, the specialist will use specialized chemicals to kill off the bugs. Any cracks or openings that they find should also be sealed to prevent any of the bugs from escaping and infesting other areas of the home.
Step Three – Maintenance
By this time, your bug problem should be well controlled. However, to make sure the problem does not happen again, a little preventative maintenance may be suggested.
• Continue to make sure food and water sources for vermin are cleared regularly
• Various traps and baits may be placed in areas that are normally attractive to pests
• Be sure to inspect furniture and other seldom used belongings and areas of the home regularly for signs of activity
While there are many over the counter products available that claim to help rid your home of bugs and vermin, many of them are not as effective as they claim. It is easier, faster, and generally much more effective to hire a trained pest control specialist to help free your home of infestations.