Pest Control

What Is Pest Control: An Overview of Professional Solutions

Pest control is the management and elimination of insects and other pests that can cause damage to your property, health, and safety. It involves the use of preventive, curative, and control measures to reduce or eliminate the population of pests. Pest control services include inspections, identification of the pest, and the implementation of control methods. Professional pest control services can help you get rid of unwanted pests and protect you from potential health and property damage.

 

What is pest control?

Pest control is the process of managing and eliminating unwanted pests from our homes, workplaces, and other places. It involves the use of preventive, curative, and control measures to reduce or eliminate the population of pests. Pest control services include inspections, identification of the pest, and the implementation of control methods. Professional pest control services can help you get rid of unwanted pests and protect you from potential health and property damage.

 

Pest control is important because pests can cause damage to your property, health, and safety. They can damage crops, spread diseases, contaminate food, destroy furniture, and cause damage to buildings. Pests can also cause allergies, asthma, and other health problems. In addition, pests can be a nuisance, such as when they make noise or when they congregate in large numbers.

 

The goal of pest control is to reduce or eliminate the population of pests to a level that does not cause any harm to humans or the environment. This is done by using a variety of methods, such as trapping, baiting, physical removal, and chemical treatment.

 

Types of pests

Pests can be classified into two broad categories: vertebrates and invertebrates. Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone, such as rats, mice, birds, bats, and other animals. Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone, such as insects, spiders, and other arthropods.

 

In addition, some pests are classified as vectors, which are organisms that can transmit diseases to humans. Examples of vectors include mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Other pests, such as rodents and birds, can carry and transmit diseases to humans, but they are not considered vectors.

 

Different pests require different pest control methods. Therefore, it is important to identify the type of pest before choosing the right control method.

 

Benefits of professional pest control

Professional pest control services can provide many benefits, including:

 

  • They can identify the pest and its source, which can help in choosing the right control method.
  • They can provide advice on how to prevent pests from entering your home in the future.
  • They can provide safe and effective treatments that are not available over the counter.
  • They can provide long-term solutions to get rid of pests.
  • They can help you save time and money by eliminating the need for multiple treatments.

 

Professional pest control services can also help you avoid health risks associated with pest infestations. For example, some pests, such as rodents and cockroaches, can carry diseases and contaminate food. Professional pest control services can help you avoid these hazards by providing safe and effective treatments.

 

Pest control methods

There are several pest control methods, including physical, chemical, and biological methods. Physical methods involve trapping and removing pests. Chemical methods involve using pesticides and other chemical treatments. Biological methods involve using natural predators and parasites to control pest populations.

 

Physical methods are usually the most effective, but they can also be the most labor-intensive and expensive. Chemical methods are usually less expensive and less labor-intensive, but they may not be as effective as physical methods. Biological methods are typically the least expensive and the least labor-intensive, but they may not be as effective as the other two methods.

 

When choosing a pest control method, it is important to consider the type of pest, the severity of the infestation, and the safety of the treatment.

 

How to choose the right pest control service

When choosing a pest control service, it is important to consider the following factors:

 

  • Cost: Compare the cost of different pest control services to find the most affordable option.
  • Experience: Look for a service that has experience in dealing with the type of pest you have.
  • Reputation: Research the reputation of the service to ensure they offer quality service.
  • Guarantees: Look for a service that offers guarantees on their work.
  • Equipment: Make sure the service has the necessary equipment to safely and effectively eliminate pests.

 

In addition, it is important to ask for references and check customer reviews before hiring a pest control service. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best service for your money.

 

Pest control services

Pest control services typically provide the following services:

 

  1. Inspection: A professional will inspect your property to identify the type of pest and its source.
  2. Treatment: The service will use the most effective treatment to eliminate the pest.
  3. Prevention: The service will provide advice on how to prevent pests from entering your home in the future.
  4. Monitoring: The service will monitor the pest population to ensure the treatment is effective.

 

Pest control services may also provide additional services, such as bird control, rodent control, and termite control.

 

DIY pest control solutions

Some people choose to handle pest control on their own. This is known as DIY pest control. DIY pest control can be effective, but it can also be dangerous if done incorrectly. Before attempting DIY pest control, it is important to identify the type of pest and its source.

In addition, it is important to understand the risks associated with DIY pest control. DIY pest control solutions may not be as effective as professional services, and they may increase the risk of health and safety hazards. Therefore, it is important to research the products and methods used in DIY pest control before attempting it.

 

Pest control safety tips

When using pest control products and methods, it is important to follow safety guidelines to ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and the environment.

 

  1. Read the label: Always read the label on pest control products before using them.
  2. Use the right product: Make sure to use the right product for the type of pest you are trying to control.
  3. Wear protective gear: Wear protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and a face mask, when using pest control products.
  4. Store products safely: Store pest control products in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
  5. Dispose of products properly: Dispose of pest control products in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

Pest control laws and regulations

Pest control is regulated by state and federal laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are in place to protect people, property, and the environment from potential harm caused by pest control products and methods.

 

Before using pest control products or methods, it is important to check with your local government for any applicable laws and regulations. This will ensure you are following the law and protecting yourself and the environment.

 

Conclusion

Pest control is important for protecting your property, health, and safety. Professional pest control services can provide many benefits, such as identifying the pest, providing safe and effective treatments, and preventing future infestations. When choosing a pest control service, it is important to consider factors such as cost, experience, reputation, and guarantees. DIY pest control can be effective, but it is important to understand the risks associated with it. It is also important to follow safety guidelines and comply with laws and regulations when using pest control products and methods.

 

If you are dealing with a pest infestation, it is important to contact a professional pest control service for help. They can provide safe and effective treatments to get rid of pests and protect you from potential health and property damage.

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Pest-Proofing

 

Why do homeowners need to worry about pest-proofing their homes?

When it gets colder outside, pests look for a place to live inside. Our homes are the most likely refuge. It is something we experience every year and homeowners need to take steps during the fall to pest-proof for the winter months.

Will pest infestations this winter be worse than most winters?

With a cool, moist summer and spring in the Northeast and extreme moisture in the South from hurricanes, you can expect to see a heavy pest season this winter. Pests love moisture and, after such a wet summer and fall, they’ve been allowed to thrive.

We are already seeing an increase in calls to professional pest control companies about infestations this fall. Mice, squirrels, spiders and insects are already beginning to move in for the winter. Compared to last year, we are already seeing up to a 35% increase in calls to professional pest control companies about these types of infestations.

What types of pests can homeowners expect to see this winter?

This time of year, the house mouse is the most common pest in and around homes as well as spiders, squirrels and small insects. While spiders, for the most part, are not aggressive, many homeowners and children find them frightening. Mice on the other hand can be dangerous as they eat and contaminate our food, chew up woodwork and can create electrical fires by gnawing on wires. Other rodents such as chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, and opossums can get into open areas seeking food.

What happens to homeowners who do not pest-proof their homes for the winter?

Pests are adaptable and will always seek shelter from the cold. Most times the shelter is in our homes and businesses.

Homeowners who do not pest-proof their homes are taking a real chance. Pests are always drawn to conducive conditions. Unfortunately, the warmth, shelter and food found in our homes are just irresistible to pests, especially in the winter months.

Although some homeowners may have higher pest tolerance than others, pests can create major havoc inside a home, ultimately creating a dangerous and potentially costly situation for a homeowner. People who decide against pest proofing for the winter could be unintentionally creating prime conditions for property-damaging pests like termites to surface in the spring.

What are the steps a homeowner needs to take to pest-proof their home for the winter?

The National Pest Management Association recommends the following steps to pest-proof your home:

Seal up any cracks and holes on the outside of your home including areas where utilities and pipes enter your home. Frequent vacuuming can help to eliminate tiny pests that other pests feed on.
Make sure vents are screened and gaps around windows and doors are sealed.
Keep tree branches and shrubbery well-trimmed and away from the house.
Inspect boxes, grocery bags and another packaging thoroughly to curb hitchhiking insects.
Keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
Store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off of the ground.
Repair fascia and soffits and rotted roof shingles; some insects are drawn to deteriorating wood.
Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around the basement foundation and windows.
A licensed and qualified pest control professional is your best resource to ensure these steps are completed properly.

Can a homeowner handle those steps themselves or does a professional need to be involved?

Some things can be done by a homeowner, however a professional knows the habits and biology of the pests that come into our homes. This time of year we get a lot of calls because homeowners are frustrated — they’ve tried to keep pests out and can’t figure out where they are living.

What do you do if pests have already gotten into your home?

If you are already seeing signs of pests inside your home – such as rodent droppings – it is always a good idea to call a professional emergency pest control London company. They can help you identify where pests are entering your home, what they are feeding on, and how to eliminate the conducive conditions.

article by https://www.pantherpestcontrol.co.uk

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Rat-control

 Rats and Mice are changing their behaviour during COVID-19

As the coronavirus pandemic continues its destructive march, decimating economies and claiming hundreds of thousands of lives, rats and mice are being forced into the open as they search for food. 

Why are Rodents Changing Behaviour? 

One of rodents’ main food supplies is being impacted as restaurants shut up shop and reduce their trade. As they seek out new food sources, rats, who are ordinarily nocturnal, have been photographed in daylight and ripping into plastic bags.

In May the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that the rodents may turn “aggressive” as they are forced to quickly adapt.  They even predicted an increase in service call outs as they cross paths with humans.

As rats and mice are known to carry 35 diseases that can be passed on to both pets and humans, this is not great. In addition to spreading disease, they can also carry disease-ridden ticks, fleas and mites, cause major structural damage to buildings with their sharp teeth, and contaminate food with their droppings. Again, not great. 

 We understand pest control may not be at the top of your priorities during a pandemic, but we encourage everyone to start keeping an eye out for signs of rodent infestations as getting rid of the pests can be time-consuming and expensive.

Rats-on-Wires

Our friends at Dubbo pest control company Pest Alert,  have given us a list of signs to look out for:

  • Scratching, gnawing and squeaking in walls.
  • Heightened excitement in pets, such as dogs and cats. 
  • Gnawing damage. 
  • Droppings 12 – 18 mm long. 
  • Borrow holes around buildings. 
  • Debris such as empty snail shells, nibbled fruits or bones left in secluded spots. 
  • Rub or tail marks on beams. 
  • Foot prints. 

If any of these signs hit a little close to home, it’s best to call pest control straight up. They have the means to assess the level of infestation and develop an appropriate response. 

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facts-about-bed-bugs

How to tell if you have bedbugs?

 

If you’re lying down in bed and you feel itchy for no good reason, you may think that’s a sign that you have bedbugs – and it can be, but these small bites from bedbugs can look the same as bites from other small insects. It can also look like hives, or even rashes. There are also a lot of people that don’t even show any physical reaction to bites from bedbugs at all.

To really tell if you have bedbugs, it would go a long way to regularly check your mattress (and bedframe) as part of your cleaning routine. This way, you can surely spot signs that you have bedbugs living with you.

Unexplained stains

 

If you find stains on your mattress, sheets and pillowcases and you don’t know where or how these stains could have come from, then one possible explanation is that these could be blood from bedbugs that have been unknowingly crushed by anyone sleeping on your bed – or, even a more unpleasant thought, these stains may even be fecal matter from bedbugs.

Make sure you thoroughly check your mattress, the sides, any lining, any zipper area or tags, any nooks and crannies they could squeeze into. You’ll also want to check the bedframe itself including the headboard.


Bedbugs are tiny, no more than the size of an apple seed. They’re brown in color, which changes to a reddish hue when they’ve fed, and they also look swollen – the more blood they’ve fed on, the more swollen they get.

If you see what looks to be tiny cracks from eggshells on your bed, that could be from their eggs, and small yellow flakes may be shed skin from bedbugs.

Bedbugs are not only found on your bed – as mentioned, they can be found on the actual bed frame, and they especially like hiding in cracks in wooden frames. Aside from the bed area, they can be on couches and cushions, chairs, even curtains. In heavily infested rooms, they can even be found in electrical receptacles and various appliances, even in wall hangings and loose wallpaper – where they’ll have to travel from to feed off of you.

While bedbugs like human blood, they have been known to feed on other smaller animals like dogs and cats too.

If you travel a lot and stay in different hotels and motels, you may want to check for signs of bedbugs there too, because then you’ll carry a risk of bringing them with you when you leave.

 

Contributed by: Watchdog Pest Control – Foremost Experts in Bed Bug Remediation and Pest Management.

Watchdog Pest Control
3542 East Altadena Avenue
Phoenix, Az. 85028

(602) 842-5290

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