Pest Control Tips

Install and maintain tight-fitting window screens. Check your screens for holes or tears. Make sure to repair or replace them as needed. Caulk and seal any openings around windows, doors, or in your foundation.

Dispose of kitchen scraps and other waste properly. When it comes to food waste, it is best to keep it as dry as possible. Drain any moisture you can from it before throwing it away. Scrape your plates or other leftovers into a plastic garbage bag, tie the bag shut, and put it in a garbage can with a tight lid.

Clean up all pet and animal feces promptly. Any fresh, moist animal feces will draw flies. To keep flies from breeding in your dog’s waste you need to bury it immediately or use a pooper scooper and plastic bag to remove the feces. Place the bagged waste in a lidded garbage can. To help prevent re-infestation, the home owner should regularly vacuum carpets and wash your pet (dogs and cats) with shampoo containing a flea control product. Restrict access of your dog or cat, to internal and sub-floor areas particularly during the summer months.

Inspection of problem areas consists of inspecting the entire kitchen area, under sinks, refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, microwave oven, other cooking appliances, bathroom cabinets, draws, basement and crawlspaces for likely high activity and hiding areas. Look for signs of pests dead or alive, feces or eggs to know where they are living.

Pest control options may include the use of sticky traps, mechanical traps and the selective use of the most up to date rat baits. Any rat baiting program should use safety dispensers placed in areas that are securely away from access by children and pets such as in a roof void, sealed sub-floor, or storage rooms.

Rodent pests thrive where food and water is readily available. All food should be kept in sealed containers or rooms. Garbage and recycle should be similarly stored. Water and food bowls for the pets should not be left out at night as this will encourage a rodent infestation in the building.

Fleas have been predicted to be extremely bad this year, especially during the summer months. The best thing you can do is have your lawn treated professionally or do it yourself by checking with your local hardware stores for do-it-yourself products. See your vet or visit your pet store for flea treatments for your pets. Don’t forget, during the summer bees are out! If you have a hive on your property, avoid getting close to it or making loud noises near it. This will cause the bees to swarm and sting. Have it professionally removed.