While most of the creatures with which we share the planet do not affect our lives, there is that less than one percent that do. Rats and mice devour one-fifth of the world’s food supply. US termites alone rack up $1.5 billion in repair and control costs, rivaling that of natural disasters. People are programmed to turn squeamish at the sight of just one flea or cockroach and are unsettled emotionally knowing they live cheek by jowl with pests. Cockroaches, rats and spiders rank in the top ten most hated critters.
Controlling pests presents two options: do it yourself or call in a professional. Before doing either, gather useful information from the Internet. Prefer reliable sources like state public health sites or agricultural extensions. They can help you name-that-pest and pose ways to control it—vital information for successful treatment. This determination and evaluation procedure is called integrated pest management (IPM).
Often pesticides are the answer, but the family is reluctant to use them. If so, try some of these non-chemical procedures. Control moisture by fixing leaks and eliminating standing water. Seal pests out by filling foundation cracks, fixing screens and storing clothes and other items in plastic bags. Practice good sanitation habits by carefully storing trash, keeping food in closed containers, vacuuming periodically and eliminating junk and clutter. Do not shy away from familiar mechanical controls like the old-fashioned rodent snap trap, sticky traps and strips and pheromone units to destroy moths.If chemical control is feasible for your home, go carefully. The container label is key—follow its directions!
Those who find do-it-yourself pest management tedious or just yucky can turn to a professional. Go carefully when choosing a pest removal firm. For example, a firm’s longevity is no guarantee of state-of-the-art knowledge. Local folks might be just as knowledgeable as those from nationwide companies. References provided by local firms—which does not have at least one or two positive ones?—should be trumped by word-of-mouth reviews from those friends or colleagues who have used their services. Check out the local Better Business Bureau to further winnow out the fraudulent and incompetent.
Most reputable companies offer free inspection and diagnoses. This gives you a chance to meet and evaluate at least one company employee in terms of knowledge and customer friendliness. Do not stop with just one inspection. As with physicians, get a second opinion. With each visit your knowledge of the details of pest management will increase and you will become a wiser buyer. For more in-depth information about pest control in Raleigh, visit this website.
Controlling pests presents two options: do it yourself or call in a professional. Before doing either, gather useful information from the Internet. Prefer reliable sources like state public health sites or agricultural extensions. They can help you name-that-pest and pose ways to control it—vital information for successful treatment. This determination and evaluation procedure is called integrated pest management (IPM).
Often pesticides are the answer, but the family is reluctant to use them. If so, try some of these non-chemical procedures. Control moisture by fixing leaks and eliminating standing water. Seal pests out by filling foundation cracks, fixing screens and storing clothes and other items in plastic bags. Practice good sanitation habits by carefully storing trash, keeping food in closed containers, vacuuming periodically and eliminating junk and clutter. Do not shy away from familiar mechanical controls like the old-fashioned rodent snap trap, sticky traps and strips and pheromone units to destroy moths.If chemical control is feasible for your home, go carefully. The container label is key—follow its directions!
Those who find do-it-yourself pest management tedious or just yucky can turn to a professional. Go carefully when choosing a pest removal firm. For example, a firm’s longevity is no guarantee of state-of-the-art knowledge. Local folks might be just as knowledgeable as those from nationwide companies. References provided by local firms—which does not have at least one or two positive ones?—should be trumped by word-of-mouth reviews from those friends or colleagues who have used their services. Check out the local Better Business Bureau to further winnow out the fraudulent and incompetent.
Most reputable companies offer free inspection and diagnoses. This gives you a chance to meet and evaluate at least one company employee in terms of knowledge and customer friendliness. Do not stop with just one inspection. As with physicians, get a second opinion. With each visit your knowledge of the details of pest management will increase and you will become a wiser buyer. For more in-depth information about pest control in Raleigh, visit this website.