Sure, pest control is important for dealing with annoying bugs and rodents, but did you know it’s also vital to ensure your family’s health and well being? An unchecked pest problem can lead to unwanted diseases, germs, and illnesses that can all be avoided with proper pest control!
Pest control is only as good as its application, so let’s talk about some of the most important pest control do’s and don’ts to keep pests off of your property once and for all!
Pest Control Dos: Best Practices for Effective Pest Control
Confused about where to start? Don’t be! We’re here to give you some of the best pest prevention tips around!
Regular Home Maintenance
An essential part of effective pest control is keeping your home and property neat, tidy, and under control. Regular yard maintenance will help rid your property of the conditions that attract pests.
Unfortunately, many insects and small mammals benefit from our messes. From spilled or untended food to overgrown grass or standing water, we often provide all the food, shelter, and breeding support these pests need to thrive.
So, good hygiene indoors and out is essential for effective pest control management. The less you provide food, water, and shelter to pests, the easier it is to keep them out of your home and property.
Seal Cracks and Entry Points
Even if they make it onto your property, there are steps you can take to keep them out of your home. The biggest one? Make it harder for them!
Sealing up cracks or entry points, especially around doors, windows, and vents, will eliminate pests' biggest opportunities to crawl into your space. Make it a habit to do a home inspection a few times a year to catch cracks and holes before they become a big deal.
Use Eco-Friendly Repellents
When you see a nasty bug, you may want to grab a can of whatever is under the sink and start spraying. While understandable, it’s not advisable!
Some pests are not remotely harmed by the spray that kills others. So, not only does a haphazard approach waste both time and money, but it also adds chemicals to your environment.
Instead, invest in eco-friendly pest control methods that will repel insects and rodents without potentially harming the environment, your pets, or your family. Look for repellents that use essential oils, such as cinnamon, citronella, peppermint, or garlic, to kick those pests to the curb!
Pest Control Don’ts: Common Pest Control Mistakes to Avoid
Now that you know what to do, let’s dive into some of the most common pest control mistakes and how to avoid them!
Overusing Pesticides
One of the most common pest control mistakes most homeowners make is relying solely on pesticides. Most people think smothering your property with pesticides is all you need to have a bite-free property.
That couldn’t be further from the truth! Simply spraying pesticides everywhere won’t eliminate the problem if you aren’t addressing it from every direction.
If you are going to use pesticides in your pest control, be sure to understand the type of solution you’re using. People often reach for the wrong pesticide for the problem and may also decide “if some is good, more is better.” This is a dangerous misconception. The toxins can accumulate, risking food contamination and accumulation on surfaces family members touch.
One of the most important “do” items on the pest control do’s and don’ts list is using pesticides only as directed. Pesticides can be effective, but if used incorrectly, they can lose efficacy or even be dangerous.
For instance, some substances remain highly toxic for months unless they are exposed to sunshine, so they should never be used indoors. Others can easily wash away. There are also chemicals that can effectively get rid of a pest at one stage but not at a different stage.
Excessive or indiscriminate pesticide use can make pest control harmful to humans, leading to environmental damage and pests developing immunity to currently effective pesticides. So, always follow all of the manufacturer’s warnings and directions for your well-being and that of your family and the environment.
Ignoring Small Infestations
No pests will just go away if you ignore them. Most pest species have a fast life cycle, which means that by the time you discover a pest issue, you’re probably already dealing with a few generations of pests, including eggs, pupae, larvae, and adult insects. The sooner you can interrupt that life cycle and effectively kill or remove the existing eggs and adults, the sooner and easier the problem can be resolved.
Ignoring a few pests can rapidly escalate to a large-scale infestation. Generations of insects are tougher to control. They are also more likely to transmit disease and cause structural damage to your home. Whether you’re dealing with rats or termites, ending the destruction as quickly as possible is the key to a quick, easy, and cost-effective repair.
Relying Solely on DIY Methods
DIY or eco-friendly pest control methods are great! But that isn’t to say there’s not a space for pesticides and traditional pest control methods in your fight against household pests.
You can develop a great pest control strategy that involves pesticides or traditional repellents while paired with eco-friendly solutions like essential oils and DIY methods like cleaning up your property, keeping up with lawn maintenance, and repairing holes or entry spots.
If your home or property offers abundant food, water, shelter, and a mating habitat, new pests will always be incentivized to move in, regardless of whether you’ve eliminated the existing infestation. Then, you’ll find yourself stuck in a vicious cycle of constantly chasing new pests rather than deterring them from arriving in the first place.
Seasonal Pest Control Tips
Effective pest control requires you to tweak your strategy depending on the season. Like humans, pests behave differently, whether warm or cold outside!
In the summer, be sure to:
- Keep your lawn well-trimmed and in tip-top shape!
- Regularly trim bushes, shrubs, and tall grasses to eliminate pest hiding spots.
- Dispose of any standing water to eliminate mosquitoes.
- Inspect your home and seal all potential entry points.
- Use screens in your windows and doors.
- Whether you’re eating inside or outside, store all food in airtight containers.
As winter rolls in and the weather starts to change, your pest control strategy should change, too. The colder months are the perfect time to:
- Donate or toss clutter in your basement, attic, garage, or shed to prevent mice, rats, or insects from turning your clutter into their home.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home to prevent termites and mice from creating a home so close to yours.
- Invest in proper ventilation so your hot air stays in and pests stay out!
Choose Effective Pest Control With Mosquito Joe
Whether you’re combating mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, rodents, gnats, or other pests, our Mosqutio Joe® services hold the solution for you. We provide effective pest control services for residential and commercial properties across the country.
All our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee, so you know the job will be done right — on time, the first time.
Let us make your space fun and bite-free again. Request a free estimate today!
This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Mosquito Joe for more information and a professional on-site assessment.
