Do’s and Don’ts of Pest Control

How can you safely solve your pest problems? Learning about Do’s and Don’ts of Pest Control. The pests you have and options that are available to control specific pests is the first step.

Do’s of pest control #1: Try pest prevention first

1. Store food in sealed plastic or glass containers. Garbage containing food scraps should be placed in tightly covered trash cans. Remove garbage regularly from your home.
2. Remove sources of food, water and shelter.
3. Fix leaky plumbing and don’t let water accumulate anywhere in the home.
4. Don’t leave pet food and water out overnight.
5. Clutter provides places for pests to breed and hide and makes it hard to get rid of them.
6. Close off places where pests can enter and hide. For example, caulk cracks and crevices around cabinets or baseboards. Use steel wool to fill spaces around pipes. Cover any holes with wire mesh.
7. Do check for pests in packages or boxes before carrying them into your home.

Do’s of pest control #2: Do safely and correctly use pesticides

• Keep pets and children away from areas where pesticides have been applied.
• After preventive steps have been taken, you can use baits as a first line of chemical defense against insects or rodents.
• Pesticides not contained in baits or traps should generally only be applied to targeted locations, not sprayed over the whole room.
• Use fogging devices only when absolutely necessary.
• Always read and follow the pesticide label’s instructions and safety warnings.
• Use ready-to-use products (i.e., no mixing needed) whenever possible.
• If you hire any outside persons to help control pests, ask them to find and correct the source of the problem before applying pesticides.
• Only apply chemicals approved for use in homes.

Don’ts of pest control #1: Don’t use outdoor chemicals indoors.

Many chemicals intended for use outdoors are dangerous to use indoors because they will remain toxic longer inside than they would outdoors so don’t use outdoor pesticides in home.

 

Don’ts of pest control #2: Don’t transfer pesticides to other containers.

• Store pesticides in their original containers. don’t use them for reuse.
• Only mix as much as you are going to use at one time if the pesticide must be mixed with water.
• Don’t use empty pesticide containers to store anything else.