Regardless of how clean or organized you keep your home, you will always be susceptible to a pest infestation. Quite simply, pests are attracted to sources of shelter and food. Your home will always provide both. If you’ve noticed an increase in pests, chances are good that you’re already under an infestation. When these bugs come out of the woodwork, here are some of your most effective options.
Get the Spray
Certain household pests, mainly insects, can be treated by using a series of sprays specifically designed to kill pests that have invaded your home. Each type of spray will have different instructions for proper use based on the type of insects that you are combating. Be sure to follow all safety protocols when handling insecticide spray because it is highly toxic to humans and pets alike. Only spray it in a ventilated area when no one else is around to inhale the fumes. You should also wear a face mask to prevent self-inhalation of the fumes as well.
Set Some Traps
Traps are especially effective for most pests including mice, ants, and cockroaches. The great thing about traps is that they’re both effective in their job and simple to install. Most pest traps are simply placed on the floor or under cabinets in strategic areas of the home where pests are more likely to encounter the trap. Traps are also effective as a preventative measure for pests who like to find their way into your home during the winter to find food and warmth. Some pests can lie dormant all winter and emerge in the spring when the weather warms, so it’s beneficial to keep traps around your home all year round.
Harness the Power of Nature
Many people are uncomfortable filling their home with dangerous chemicals, especially if they have pets or young children. For families who wish to go a greener route with pest control, there are a myriad of essential oils that act as natural pest repellents. These essential oils not only give your home a pleasant smell, they’re also safer than common insecticides.
Plug the Gaps
If your home is getting infested by critters and creepy crawlies, that means that somehow they are entering your home. This also means that even if you do treat the problem of existing pests, you may end up with new infestations later if you don’t close off the places they are entering through. Check your home’s exterior for holes and gaps, around the edges of doors and windows, and if you’re feeling especially thorough, you can even use a thermal detection device to locate areas where heat is escaping, i.e. openings in your home.
Call in the Professionals
When household pests begin to annoy you and your family, one of the first recourses you should consider is contacting a professional pest control service. Many pest control service companies will come out to your home for a consultation to assess the extent of your infestation and quote you the price for different methods of treatment. This is a great option for families who don’t have the time or experience required to perform pest control treatments as a do-it-yourself project.
Always remember that pest infestations begin silently and secretly. Once you spot a pest in your home, it’s likely that there are more in hiding. Always keep traps out or essential oils spread throughout your home as a preventative measure.
