Recommendations for do-it-yourself pest control? Most of the products that we use can be purchased over the counter in one form or another, but the key thing is the knowledge, the experience in applying these things correctly.
Many times people discover they have pest problem and run off to the area hardware or home and garden store with an armload of products without a clue how to use them.
Stoy Hedges, an entomologist and Director of Technical Services at Terminix International, says, "Probably eight in ten people try things themselves. All those people end up coming to us. Most of the products that we use can be purchased over the counter in one form or another, but the key thing is the knowledge, the experience in applying these things correctly. If it was as simple as buying a product and spraying your baseboards, there wouldn't be a need for a pest control industry. But it is not that simple."
So while the products used by professionals may be accessible to the public, the ability to use them wisely and skillfully is not so easy.
Hedges says, "It depends on the type of pest you are dealing with. They could be inside electrical appliances or they could be inside the walls. Knowing what product to put where is what is important."
However, that doesn't mean you can't do anything to help control pest problems in your home. In fact, it is crucial for homeowners to be involved in fighting insect infestations.
Trying to cut off the shelter and food and water supplies for pests is key to reducing insect populations in your home. Keep trash picked up and stored properly in containers with tight fitting lids. Clean up spills and crumbs promptly. Vacuum thoroughly, including crevices and cracks. Fix any leaks where insects might go to find moisture. Don't allow papers, boxes, or wood to be stacked up within or near your home. Keep vegetation well manicured and provide plenty of sunshine and ventilation. Seal holes or cracks around your home where insects might find entry into your house. Remember, an adult German cockroach can hide in a space as small as 1/16 of an inch. Always be careful about items that might harbor insects when bringing items like furniture, boxes, etc. into your home.
Pay attention to where you have seen insects and how many and how often. Using sticky traps can be of some help, because you can identify (or give the professional information so they can identify) the exact species involved, and hopefully pin down main population areas. Knowing which insects are involved is key, because different species have different preferences and require different treatments to eradicate them.
While is may not be advisable to play exterminator at home, you can still play an active part in ridding your home of unwanted guests. By limiting the number of entry points to your home, not making easy access to food and water for the pests, and keeping debris and garbage cleaned up so that they don't have shelter, you will have a big role in pest control in your home. While it may not be a real do-it-yourself kind of job, it is a job where team work can make all the difference in achieving a control over pests.
