Any dedicated homeowner would never wish to have his or her home infiltrated by any forms of unwelcome guests, particularly pests. Knowing that one’s property is being inhabited by such nuisances as cockroaches, bed bugs, termites, ants, flies, and/or rodents definitely makes someone cringe or feel creeped out. Why not? Pests, big or small, can threaten the health and safety of everyone in the home. They may carry viruses and bacteria that will make our family sick. They can also disrupt our daily household routine because of the property damages they cause. They disturb our sleep and make our home less conducive for living. Indeed, pests are one of our sources of stress.

We have every reason to want to get rid of these irksome critters. That is why, as homeowners, we need to do what is necessary to protect our home from pest infestation. However, this does not mean we should always leave every pest problem at home mainly to the expert hands of pest control service providers. While we can, we homeowners must also do our share of responsibilities when it comes to pest control unless the infestation is really serious.

There are actually several preventive measures you can personally take without necessarily calling a pest control expert. This will allow you to save costs for pest control services, which can be quite expensive. Nonetheless, you need to take note of some important reminders if you intend to take certain pest matters into your own hands.

Pest Management: Points to Remember

1. Assessment Of The Pest Problem.

Before doing or applying anything else, first, you need to be certain of the type of pests you are dealing with as well as the extent of the infestation. That way, you will know exactly the specific countermeasure you will embark on. It is important to carefully inspect the infected areas so you can identify the pests, the source of the problem, and the severity of the infestation.

2. Eliminate Anything That Will Invite Pests To Your Home.

The term is declutter. Do not encourage pests to feel comfortable dwelling on your property. Hence, you must remove anything that will serve as potential shelter or breeding spots for pests. This includes taking away items that will store standing water and maintaining a clean and dry environment. Also, keep your home, especially the dining area, kitchen counters, floors, or any surfaces free from food crumbs or leftovers. Pests have highly sensitive sense of smell; therefore, you must immediately clean up after food spills or scraps as these will definitely draw their attention to your home. Moreover, refrain from leaving food and fruits out in the open for long so as not to attract pests like ants and flies. Ants, roaches, rodents, and flies are very tenacious pests especially when their food source is involved. Furthermore, make it a habit to vacuum regularly to get rid of dirt and dust. In addition, sanitize, organize, and store household items—indoors and outdoors objects alike—properly. To prevent pests, bugs, and insects from entering your household, you also need to trim your vegetation and keep the branches of your plants away from your door, windows, or any opening. Lastly, observe proper garbage disposal. Throw your trash every day and store them inside well-sealed garbage cans.

3. Be Extra Cautious When Using Pesticides.

Remember: pesticides should only be a last resort to combat pest problems at home. If you must really have to apply pesticides, take the following things into account:

• Only use pesticides if you have already identified the problematic pests. Not all pesticides work for all types of pests. To avoid damaging or hurting other beneficial plants and organisms, read the label at the back of the pesticide bottle and find out what specific pests it is intended for.
• Consult with a professional. When it comes to termite pest control or cockroach removal, for instance, you have to seek advice from a certified and trained pest control agent regarding the proper usage and application of pesticides.
• All pesticides are poisonous. To avoid contamination and the detrimental effects of toxins from home pesticides, you must make sure that no toys, food (including pet food), food containers, and water dishes are present in the area where you intend to apply the pesticides.
• Apply only the necessary amount. Many people misuse pesticides by applying more than what is required thinking more means better. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Doing so only brings more danger especially to the other desirable organisms in the environment.
• Store pesticides in their original “labelled” containers and keep them away from the reach of children. Needless to say, pesticides are very hazardous and something that innocent children should not play with.

Homeowners should bear in mind that pests attack whenever an opportunity arises. Thus, the first thing to do should be to block any slightest opportunity around to keep these annoying creatures at bay. Sealing any opening, repairing tears, eliminating food scraps, and removing breeding sites for pests are a few of the fundamental steps a homeowner should take. The use of home pesticides should only be considered as a last line of defense against pests. When the situation calls for using pesticides, consulting a pest control expert is an ideal move.