Getting certified and licensed is the first step in starting a pest control business. You should also purchase insurance to cover property damage and personal injuries.
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The most effective method of pest control is preventative, and the first step is to ensure that entry points are closed. This is called exclusion, and it involves identifying potential areas of entry, then sealing them off to prevent pests from entering the home or business. Common entry points include cracks in the foundation, gaps around doors and windows, and holes where vents, pipes, and utility lines enter or exit the building. The best way to identify these entry points is by conducting a thorough inspection both indoors and out.
Generally, pests seek shelter and food sources, and they need easy access to these resources in order to survive. As such, they are attracted to places like attics and basements where they can hide or feed, and they also tend to gather near trash cans, compost bins, and firewood piles. If these areas are not sealed off properly, pests will quickly find their way inside.
Entry points can be prevented by sealing gaps with caulking, expanding foam, steel wool, or cement. Door sweeps can be used to close the gap at the bottom of doors, and window screens can be installed to keep pests from entering through windows. In addition, regularly inspect attics and basements for signs of rodent activity and seal any leaky spots in the roof or walls.
Cracks in the foundation are often a sign of moisture problems, and these can be prevented by repairing cracks as soon as they are identified. Moisture also attracts pests, so be sure to fix any leaky pipes and address water accumulation in crawl spaces and attics.
A professional can conduct a pest infestation survey and determine what type of pests are present, how much damage they have done, and what kind of treatment is necessary to eliminate them. Once the appropriate treatments are chosen, a pest control expert can then implement those treatments and work to prevent these insects and rodents from entering again in the future. The goal is to prevent pests from ever becoming a problem. In some cases, this may mean removing a pest population to the point where it is no longer causing unacceptable damage, and in other situations, it may mean controlling them until they can be safely removed without any harmful effects.
Eliminate Entry Points
Pests invade homes and buildings for three primary reasons: food, water and shelter. Tiny cracks and gaps provide easy access to these resources and allow pests to live inside where they can cause damage, spread diseases and create unhealthy living conditions. Identifying and sealing these entry points is one of the most important aspects of pest control.
Pest control is a multi-faceted process with many tools at its disposal. There are natural methods that rely on the use of predators, parasites and other organisms to help eliminate pest populations without harmful chemicals. Biological methods typically take longer to work but are safer for the environment and humans alike. There are also chemical options that can be used to kill the pests themselves or repel them through pheromones or other physical barriers.
A building’s exterior may look like a fortress, but the truth is that it contains numerous secret entrances. These include spaces around doors and windows, faulty weather stripping, cracked foundations, utility lines, vents and other holes. It is essential to regularly inspect indoor and outdoor areas for these vulnerable spots, and to seal them off as soon as possible.
It is also a good idea to remove any outside items that can attract pests, such as trash, compost, firewood and clogged gutters. Garbage should be stored in sealed containers, and clutter removed from the property. Regularly checking the condition of air conditioning vents and ducts can help prevent rodents from entering. Keeping pet food and water in sealed containers can also deter pests.
A common entry point for pests is under eaves or through crawl space vents. Ensure these are properly installed, and make sure they have tight fitting covers. Other potential entry points include the space around electrical meters, which is often left open for inspection, and the space around air conditioner compressor lines, which can be accessed by rats and other rodents. Using caulking or weatherstripping to fill any gaps can help keep pests out, as well as canned foam insulation or steel wool to block access. An experienced pest control company will be able to assess the building and its exterior for these vulnerabilities, and recommend appropriate solutions.
Clean Up Debris
After pest control treatments, it’s important to keep areas clean. A clean home eliminates attractive food sources and shelter for unwanted pests. This is especially true for the kitchen area, as it contains all of the things that pests are seeking – water, food, and shelter.
The best way to keep surfaces clean is to wash them frequently using hot water and a sanitizing solution. This includes window sills, doorknobs, and household walls. Keeping surfaces clean eliminates food crumbs, spills, and dust that attract insects.
Debris piles containing wood, leaves and other organic material can trap moisture creating an ideal breeding environment for many pests, including termites, ants, roaches and mosquitoes. They also provide shelter and warmth for rodents and other pests that seek refuge from colder temperatures.
Often, pests carry bacteria and viruses that can cause disease in people and animals. If rodents or cockroaches infest your house, they can contaminate food and water supplies by spreading these pathogens throughout the home. In addition, pests such as ants and flies are attracted to dirty environments and can infect humans with food poisoning and other illnesses.
Cleaning the kitchen after pest control is essential to preventing future infestations. Wiping down cupboards and cabinets with a clean washcloth to remove any food residues is one of the best ways to keep pests from returning after treatment. Keeping the kitchen area dry and promptly wiping surfaces after use is another effective strategy.
Keeping trash bins, dumpsters and compost heaps clean and away from the house is another simple, yet effective strategy to prevent pests from infesting homes. Rodents and other pests feed on decaying organic matter, bringing in dangerous bacteria that can contaminate food and surfaces inside the house.
Regularly removing weeds from the yard is another simple, but effective, approach to eliminating food and shelter for unwanted pests in the garden. Weeds rob nearby plants of vital nutrients and moisture, providing an appealing food source for insects and other pests that can eat or damage them. In addition, weeds block sunlight from reaching the garden, creating conditions that are favorable for fungi to develop that can deteriorate or weaken plants and other organisms.
Trim Vegetation
Keeping grass, shrubs and trees properly trimmed and away from your home makes it harder for pests to access windows, doors and the roof. Keep woodpiles, trash piles and compost bins well away from the house as well. If you have a bird bath or water feature, change the water once a week and clean debris regularly to discourage mosquitoes.
Keep in mind that pests don’t just live in the garden or landscape; they may also live under bushes, in mulch and in other plant material. Regularly removing fallen leaves and branches, and raking or blowing away any debris that piles up will prevent many pest problems.
If possible, avoid using chemicals; they are usually not the best choice for long-term pest control. If you must use them, always follow the label’s instructions and safety warnings carefully. When choosing chemicals, consider less-toxic options such as botanical insecticides, horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps.
The type and frequency of pests you need to watch for depends on the season and where you live. For example, aphids and other sap-feeders often show up in vegetable gardens. Monitor these plants for aphid damage, and remove any developing fruit that shows rot or moldy areas. Herbs and other flowers such as rosemary, chives, lavender and mint are susceptible to aphids, flea beetles and leaf miners. Keep an eye out for cucumber beetles (all melons and squash) and cabbage worms (cabbage, kale, broccoli).
Other organisms such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and mammals feed on some pests and help control their numbers. Pathogens (fungus, bacteria and other microorganisms) can also suppress some pest populations.
Weather conditions affect pest activity directly by influencing the growth of their host plants. Some weather events can exacerbate pest problems while others can reduce them. For example, rain and freezing temperatures can stop or slow the reproduction of some pests.