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Getting Rid of Unwanted PestsEver since man made the move from the cave to the house, he's been trying to figure out how to keep the bugs and small critters from following him inside. Pest control can be a big job. Not only are pests annoying, they can also damage your home and carry germs and disease. Insects are the most common pests - from termites to spiders to ants. Given their tiny size, its nearly impossible to keep these guys out. Some people even consider spiders to be "good" insects, since they catch and eat other bugs. But termites and carpenter ants can do real damage to the structure of your house, requiring expensive repairs and headaches when it comes time to sell - the dreaded pest inspection.
Professional Pest Control - ExterminatorsSome people opt for professional pest control and removal. Companies like Orkin and Terminix are the big nationwide names. The Orkin.com website has some helpful information, like a pest learning center, with information on all pests, from cockroaches to flies to rats. They even have a beautiful color PDF Pest ID Guide, with detailed color pictures and descriptions of all insect pests. Not a bad place for basic pest information. Terminix specializes in termites as their name suggests, but they also have pest control programs for spiders, ants, and the like. Keep in mind their goal is to get you on a regular treatment plan, meaning less bugs but also less money in your pocket. Depending on your pest problems, you may want to consider a one-time treatment and follow-up rather than an ongoing program with regular monthly or quarterly bills.You can also look in your local yellow pages under exterminators or pest control, if you want someone to come out to your house and do an inspection, trap laying, baiting, or spraying. Most exterminators will inspect attics, basements, and crawl spaces, as well as examining the outside of your home, looking for signs of insects or other pests. Once your problem is determined, they will offer an appropriate course of action. For rodents, this will include removing any food sources, placing bait traps, and then following up with additional inspections to check progress. Ants or termites will require spraying and or dusting, and bait stations can also be used for ants. Many exterminators offer a guarantee for a certain length of time, such as 6 months. For a fixed fee, they will treat your house, and will make follow-up visits at no charge if needed during the warranty period. How much do pest inspections and treatments cost? Cost for this can be $150-$350. Many companies offer a free inspection as a way to gain your business, and you pay only if they find problems that need treatment. Pest Control TipsEven better than getting rid of pests is keeping them out of your house to begin with. There are plenty of pest control tips you can implement immediately. For example, you should not have soil or plants that come into contact with the wood surfaces of your house. Keep dirt levels well below the foundation line, and trim back shrubs and plants near the house. Don't store firewood inside your home, garage, or in contact with your home. Termites and ants thrive in wood conditions like that. Carpenter ants especially love to nest in firewood stacks. Don't let leaks in your plumbing system or roof go untreated - this can lead to wood rot and insect infestation. Moisture problems are a leading cause of ant infestation. Mice can get into your home through holes or cracks smaller than a quarter - be sure to use caulking to fill all access points around your foundation and around doors and windows. Make sure your attic vents are properly covered - wasps, hornets, and other flying insects will nest if they can get inside. Reduce clutter around your home, attic, and basement - bugs, rodents, roaches, and other pests thrive in and around old cardboard boxes. Plastic sealed tubs are a much better solution for storing items and keeping them protected.
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