Our friends at Barefoot Mosquito & Pest Control wrote an article on “The 7 Most Common Home Pest Control Mistakes”. You can find the full article HERE.

Once you spot a pest problem in your home, it’s hard to get the image of those bugs and rodents out of your head. A home pest invitation can drive anyone crazy. To reduce the likelihood of a pest problem in your home, avoid these common pest control mistakes so you can rest easier, knowing your home is clear of pests.

The 7 Most Common Home Pest Control Mistakes

Not Determining the Cause of the Pests

When you see a few spiders in your basement, you just want to get rid of them as quickly as possible. So, you spray an entire can of pesticide until you’re sure the spiders are no longer breathing, then run upstairs and huddle in the fetal position for a few hours. Even though it’s not your proudest moment, the problem is handled… right?

Probably not. You really need to find the source of those nasty spiders (and any other pests). Where are they coming from, and how are they getting into your home? Seal any gaps around your windows, doors, seams, and foundation. Then, set out a trap specifically for the pest you’re trying to eliminate.

Not Identifying The Correct Pests

A bug is a bug is a bug, right? And any old trap will do when you want to catch a pest, right? Wrong. You need to correctly identify the nasty, little pest you’re dealing with so you can purchase the right trap. If you can stomach it, get close enough to take a picture and then compare on a google search. If you’re still struggling, ask a good reputable pest control company to help.

Spraying Ants and Calling It Good

There’s nothing worse than finding a trail of ants in your pantry. How many of them are there, and where are they coming from? You grab the spray, and blast those critters, then sweep up their carcasses after the spray has dried.

Unfortunately, you may have just made the problem worse. Foraging ants represent only 8 to 10% of the colony, which means there are plenty more where they came from. New ants will be back in a matter of days. Use indoor baiting techniques instead, and the ants will bring the product back to the nest — which will eliminate the entire colony.

Keeping a Messy Home

Pests really love cluttered spaces. They also live for crumbs on your floors and counters. Keep a tidy kitchen, with crumbs swiftly swept away each day, trash removed, and dishes done. Dust and vacuum regularly, and keep clutter to a minimum.

Baiting For Pests Incorrectly

There are two factors you need to consider when baiting for insects and rodents: Location and time.

Don’t put your trap in a place where you wouldn’t expect to see the pest you’re attempting to catch. The middle of the room typically isn’t where you’ll find rodents. Instead, put the traps in the pests’ regular traveling paths — along the walls, behind the refrigerator, in dark corners, etc. If you find mouse droppings somewhere, that’s an excellent place for your trap.

And keep the trap out for a few weeks after you think you’ve caught all insects and/or rodents. You may catch all the adults in a few days, but their young could be lingering nearby, waiting to grow up and have more babies to infest your home.

Not Treating Your Pet

Don’t leave your pet defenseless against fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Not only does this leave your home susceptible to pests, but your pet could suffer from health problems.

Waiting it Out

Thinking the pests will just move along when the weather turns cool is only allowing your pest problem to multiply to intolerable levels. Treat your home at the first sign of pest infestation, and if you’re unable to handle the problem on your own, seek out the help of a good local pest control company.

If you need professional support with your pest control problem, call us at 1-855-297-8278 or contact us through our website.