Pests like ants, fleas, mosquitoes, bed bugs and spiders can leave itchy bite marks on you and your family. Pest Exterminators Cambs can help reduce and eliminate them from your home with effective treatments.
Ancillary damage from pests includes feces, droppings and bio-hazards that may need to be cleaned up. Exterminators use products that are environmentally friendly and safe for your family.
Pest Identification
Accurate pest identification is a critical first step in any pest management situation. Identification guides are available on the internet or through publications provided by your state weed, insect, or disease control program, a commodity or crop organization, Cooperative Extension agent, or university. The more that is known about a particular pest, the easier it is to develop an integrated pest management plan that includes cultural practices, tools and/or chemical applications.
A proper pest identification also helps prevent unnecessary use of chemicals. Different species of insects, weeds, viruses, or microorganisms behave differently and cause different damage. They also have different life cycles and require different types of control strategies.
Carefully observe a suspected pest and note distinct features – color, shape, size, legs, wings, antennae, etc. Take a photo of the pest or write down these characteristics so that you aren’t reliant on memory. If possible, capture a sample of the pest and put it in a jar or plastic bag.
Pest Prevention
Pest prevention is an important component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. This approach uses a combination of control measures to prevent pests from building up to levels that cause unacceptable harm, such as damage to plants or food.
It is less expensive and more environmentally friendly than using chemicals to kill existing pests. Pest prevention includes identifying and eliminating factors that attract pests, such as food, water and hiding places. It also involves modifying or blocking entry points to structures, such as by sealing windows and doors. Other prevention measures include cleaning practices that don’t invite pests, maintaining garbage receptacles away from buildings and keeping grass and other vegetation trimmed to reduce potential hiding places.
Pest extermination is sometimes necessary, but only as a last resort after other methods have been tried. Taking a proactive approach by practicing pest prevention and conducting regular inspections is the best way to keep the pests at bay.
Pest Control Methods
Pest control methods are strategies used to remove pests from homes and businesses. They fall into three categories: prevention, suppression, and eradication. Prevention is the most economical and environmentally friendly method of pest control. It involves keeping a home or business clean and eliminating food sources that attract pests.
Physical barriers, such as screens, fences, and netting, can prevent pests from entering buildings or gardens. Chemicals, such as fungicides and insecticides, disrupt the nervous systems of pests, interfere with their metabolism or reproduction, or kill them. Other chemicals, such as ultra-low volume fogging and fumigation, can eliminate entire populations of pests.
Ask your pest control operator to describe the type of chemical he or she will be using and its EPA registration number, as well as how it should be safely applied. Follow the instructions carefully to minimize your exposure and that of children or pets. If you use pesticides yourself, make sure to keep them away from food, beverages, and plants.
Safety
An exterminator often works with harsh chemicals and hazardous devices so it’s important to ensure they have the proper licensing and insurance before hiring them. They should also have extensive training and background checks for their employees to ensure the safety of those around them.
Ensure that children and pets are safely removed from the home before a pest control treatment. Many pesticides are toxic and can cause health problems for people or animals if they’re exposed.
Organize furniture and big appliances into one room so the pest exterminator can reach all areas of your home during treatment. Remove clothes, toys, and other objects from the floor that can absorb chemicals or get wet during treatment. Cover personal items such as toothbrushes, razors, and toiletries in plastic to keep them safe from pesticides. Keep windows and doors closed until the exterminator tells you it’s safe to open them. This will prevent re-infestation. Also check for leaks as they can be the perfect breeding ground for pests.