4 Tips For Handling Pests In The Home

No matter how careful you may be about keeping your home clean, a pest infestation may still emerge. As the weather warms up in the summer, many people notice an increased presence of insects such as ants, bed bugs and cockroaches, or rodents such as rats and mice in their homes. These unwelcome guests can become a nuisance and in some cases severe pest issues can actually become a health hazard. 

If you find yourself having to deal with pests in the home, there are a few important measures you can implement in order to manage the problem effectively. How you handle a pest infestation will depend in part on the type of pest you are dealing with. 

Many people who find themselves with pest control issues on their hands jump straight in and try to tackle the problem using various chemical sprays. It is important to note, however, that these products contain dangerous toxins and need to be used with caution. Here are a few measures you should consider implementing: 

Seal Any Points of Entry

Start by determining how the pests are entering your property. Our houses aren’t impenetrable fortresses, so even the smallest cracks can be the source of the problem. Check windows and doors, and use weatherstripping to seal any draughty points. Another common point of entry is through the plumbing. Insects such as cockroaches thrive in damp conditions. Don’t overlook the toilets in your home either.

Remain Patient and Consistent

It’s important to remember that dealing with pest control issues is rarely a one-off project. You need to be consistent with treatments. Maintaining your efforts throughout the year is key, rather than just when the problem becomes visible. For example, by the time you see cockroaches roaming, chances are there are more ready to crawl out of the woodwork. Consistency also helps strengthen the barriers around your home through reinforcement. Neglecting treatment over the winter will reduce efficacy and you’ll see the critters reemerge come the spring. 

Try Natural Solutions

The use of pesticides does have its downsides, especially for households that have small kids or pets. An alternative would be to try natural solutions. There are sonic pest control devices on the market that can prevent pests from nestling in the walls. Furthermore, there are some plants and essential oils that can be used to repel insects, such as citronella oil to deter mosquitos. 

Call In the Professionals

While there are a few things you can do to prevent a pest infestation, there also comes a time when you might want to cut your losses and hire a professional. Do your research online and speak to people in the area to get some recommendations on pest control services. For example, a simple Google search for ‘pest control in Beltsville’ will bring up a number of good options. 

Dealing with pests in the home is never fun, but tackling the problem early on is imperative. Armed with these tips, you should be well placed to tackle the challenges posed by bugs and vermin more effectively.