Just the thought of dealing with an infestation of insects or rodents can be enough to send homeowners into a panic. Yet at the same time, the idea of spraying dangerous chemicals on your property can also be unsettling. Fortunately, you don’t have to compromise your family’s safety in order to have a pest-free home.
There are many natural pest control methods that are effective for handling unwanted insects and wildlife. Understanding these options will help you plan for seasonal pest control for your outdoor space.
Remove Food and Water Sources
Professional pest control technicians often preach the importance of prevention and for good reason. Leaving trash or other items that pests would consider to be food where they have easy access to them will encourage them to stay and breed. The same goes for allowing water to collect on the exterior of your home.
Water is actually where many insects lay their eggs. For this reason, one of the best ways to start with natural pest control planning is to identify possible food and water sources that attract pests and remove them immediately.
Block Entry
In addition to making your home less attractive to pests, you will want to make sure that you block potential entry and exit points. For instance, even a small hole in your roof might be giving rodents access to your garage. And it takes only small cracks to allow insects into all kinds of spaces on your property. Repairing and sealing off potential entry points can stop wildlife from getting in and building nests or causing damage.
Ask About Safe Elimination Methods
With insects, once an infestation has taken hold, it may be necessary to spray your property. Many pest control sprays are tested to be safe for use in and around homes. However, if you are unsure it is always best to ask a pest control technician about the products that they choose to use.
This is especially important if you have young children. In some instances, natural repellents and alternatives such as heat can be used to control major insect infestations. And sometimes even other insects such as ladybugs are used.
Trap and Remove Wildlife Safely
Larger animals will often need to be trapped and removed. Prompt removal is critical for protecting your family’s safety since many animals carry dangerous diseases and parasites. Attempting to poison certain types of vermin such as rats often leads to bigger problems such as having to deal with potentially disease-carrying carcasses in your walls.
Trapping is a more humane method that can be used on rats, possums, skunks, and even birds to safely keep your home pest-free. If you decide to hire a pro for this task, he will come and check the traps regularly. Once the pest has been caught, it will then be released following all of the proper practices along with any state laws that may apply for that specific animal.
Identify Early Pest Infestations With Regular Inspections
Proper pest control should also involve seasonal inspections of your home. This will help to identify infestations in their earliest stages when they are much easier to address. Or it can prevent them from happening in the first place.
Many types of pests rapidly multiply once they find a safe place to build their nests, for example, a single rat or mouse can quickly become a major issue once they start reproducing. By inspecting regularly you can stop problems before they begin.
No one likes dealing with pests, and it is understandable to have concerns about using dangerous chemicals around your house and lawn. By staying aware and practicing preventative strategies, you can rest easy that your property will remain free from both of them. And be sure to ask a professional if you have any questions or need any specialized help.
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