Dealing with an infestation of insects in the home can be infuriatingly difficult. It is one of the most disgusting things we might be required to face as a homeowner. The consequences of not dealing with such an event or not tackling it properly can range from irritating to extremely expensive. There are various ways to deal with insects in the home, and what approach to take depends on the specifics. Here is our guide as to how we should deal with an insect problem.
Consider the Quantity & Season
We should carefully assess the situation to ensure we are not making a big deal out of very little. It would be overkill to call an exterminator every time we saw a fly in the bathroom. We must consider how many insects we see. If you have uncovered a nest within your property, then action must be taken. If you find an infestation in the spring, it’s more important you act quickly, as they may be about to hit the season where they reproduce exponentially. If you find a wasps’ nest in September, then it’s unlikely they’ll become a big issue until the following spring as they die off for the winter.
Have Pets Checked Regularly
Pets are one of the classic vehicles for pests to be transported into the home. Three humble family dog is known to spread fleas. Our favorite canine friend will bring them in from outside, and then they can end up in our furniture, clothing, and bedding. Have your dog regularly checked and treat any instances with the appropriate pet shampoo. It is also good practice to train your dog to stay off the furniture.
Call a Professional
If things are especially bad, then it will be essential to call in a professional pest control expert. Recently I had a real issue with mosquitos, and it only was resolved when I looked for mosquito control in Dallas and had an anti-mosquito misting system installed. The advantage of using a professional is that with their years of experience the best course of action can be identified quickly.
Keep the Yard Tidy
One of the most common breeding grounds for insects and bugs is the back yard of a family home. The more overgrown the area is, the more likely that problematic insects might breed. This isn’t a problem in itself, as many people enjoy having an ecologically diverse outdoor area on their property. It does become an issue when the insects make their way from the yard into the house. Avoid this by ensuring a definite boundary between the planting areas and the house perimeter.
Only Use Suitable Building Materials
What keeps our property interesting is when we’re able to alter and change the look of it. The option is always there to use new materials. One particular favorite of ours is to use old and reclaimed timber. When working with these materials, it is important to check for any insects present in the wood. This can be checked and verified by an appropriate expert.
Keep Things Clean & Tidy
Dirt and mess are the breeding ground for all manner of nasties. This is true of such things as bacteria, but also insects and pests. It’s good to have a regular cleaning schedule and keep to it. Don’t fall into the trap of only checking the same areas over and again. It’s hard to reach or seldom seen places that are prime offenders in harboring pests. Think of behind furniture, or down the side of kitchen appliances, such as the stove. It’s easy for all manner of things to make their way into these nooks and crannies.
Food Storage
It’s not only wayward scraps and discarded food that can attract unwanted visitors into the home. How we store our regular food supplies is something we shouldn’t neglect. If we store any unpackaged food, we must keep it tightly contained. Vacuum sealed bags or secured Tupperware are what we require this stops any nibbling interlopers from gaining unwanted access. Store goods above ground level, nothing left vulnerable to moisture or flood damage. Any food waste bins should be kept with a lid on and emptied regularly, at least once per day.
Home Treatments
If we make the decision that we are not needing a professional exterminator but require some action, we can do certain things ourselves. We can get our hands on many good, natural repellents and barriers.
