If you are like some people who scream at the top of their lungs when they see a flying cockroach or mouse in their house, chances are, you are going to instantly call the exterminator. However, did you know that this scenario can be prevented? Just listen to what the experts have to say.
Here are 10 things pest control professionals wish you knew from the best ways to prevent future infestations to how to handle the ones you already have. So, listen up, folks!
1. If you have a rodent problem, alert your neighbors.
If you are living in an apartment or a condo, it's a good idea to warn your neighbors. Even if the infestation in your unit is already treated, the problem isn't limited to multifamily structures. Rodents and cockroaches may impact neighbors, depending on how close you are to one another. If you or your neighbor have a confirmed infestation, it's best to call a pest control expert.
2. You have to remember that not all pests are bad.
Cockroaches cause asthma and bed bug bites are irritating, but there are some pests that can be friendly too. Lady beetles, for example, are beneficial to gardeners because they eat other pests and aphids. Spiders too are predators that eat other pests in your garden. If you are seeing spiders in your house more than you think there should be, however, you may have an infestation so you better have it checked.
3. Have a little faith in your exterminators.
A reputable pest control company should urge you not to worry about the treatments that they use because they should incorporate the Integrated Pest Management system process which is devoted to using the safest and least amount of products possible to achieve the most effective result.
4. Be sure to hire an exterminator who knows what he is doing.
Before hiring an exterminator, make sure that you do some research. A reputable pest control company should follow-up after the treatment at least once. Before hiring an extermination company, confirm that they have a professional and trained entomologist who can address your concerns.
5. There's nothing we can do about your head lice.
Believe it or not, there are instances when pest control experts get calls for a client’s head lice problems. Head and body lice are medical issues so there’s no reason to call an exterminator for that.
6. Even if you can't see the pests, it doesn't mean that you are safe.
The rainy season is also a big headache for pests. During this time, they also like to be comfortable so they look for a spot that's cozy for them and that means your home. So, even if you don't have a rodent problem today, this doesn't mean that you are already in the clear. To prevent rodents from coming into your house, you can install a hardware cloth or tight-fitting weatherstrip at the bottom of your doors or windows. You can also seal up holes or cracks in your house as soon as the sun is up. You can stuff it with steel wool or wire mesh.
7. The fact is, we cannot do everything.
Your exterminator will make all the effort to solve your pest problem, but if you don’t do your part, don’t expect the result to be successful. It would help if you do your share before and after the treatment to ensure that the problem will not come back. It's not that hard to fix a window or close a door, right? The bottom line is, you should also take care of your house.
8. We'd appreciate it if you wouldn't try to fix the problem yourself before calling us.
Bug and rodent treatments are easily available at any hardware store, but often, this leaves a lot of room for misapplication. There are already many cases where people used too much product or picked up the wrong treatment for their problem, making it even worse. Pest problems should be left to the experts.
9. There are certain bugs that we really can't keep away.
We are talking about bed bugs here. Most people think that good hygiene will prevent them from getting bed bugs, but this is not true. Bed bugs, unlike other insects, don't care about moisture or food; they only care about sucking your blood. Bed bugs can come from anywhere so you must be vigilant in examining your luggage or suitcases when you come home from travelling.
10. A clean kitchen won't make you immune to infestations.
Most pests are attracted to food, open bags of chips and dirty dishes but not only that; moisture is also a huge factor in the attraction and sustainability of pests. We recommend that you keep gutters unclogged and make sure that downspouts direct water at least 3-4 feet away from your home's foundation.