Professional pest control companies offer a variety of effective treatment options, including chemical solutions. These treatments are designed to target specific pests while protecting the property and long-term health of the homeowner.
These solutions include insecticides (like cypermethrin and bifenthrin), growth regulators, and dusts like boric acid and diatomaceous earth. They also use bait stations with slow-acting rodenticides for rat and mouse control. Contact Green Shield Pest Solutions now!
Pests like ants, cockroaches, rodents, and mosquitoes can cause serious damage to property and disrupt people’s lives. Left unchecked, they can lead to expensive repair costs and pose health risks for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. Fortunately, preventative pest control strategies can help to reduce the risk of infestations.
The most effective way to deter pests is by taking steps to remove their food, shelter and water sources. Storing foods in airtight containers, regularly cleaning kitchen surfaces and cupboards, and putting out trash for pickup at least once a week can significantly lower the risk of pests making your home their own. Regularly sweeping and vacuuming can also eliminate crumbs and sticky residues that are often an invitation to pests.
Clutter can also provide hiding places for pests and breeding grounds, so it’s important to get rid of clutter like stacks of newspapers or old clothes. Screening vents, closing cracks around doors and windows, and ensuring that utility lines entering through walls are properly sealed can also make it more difficult for pests to enter.
Lastly, many pests are attracted to moisture environments, so it’s important to fix leaky pipes promptly and use dehumidifiers in areas prone to humidity. Getting rid of standing water by directing rainwater away from the foundation of the house can also help to make your environment less hospitable to pests.
Preventing pests requires a combined approach that includes a combination of physical barriers and chemical treatments. While chemicals can be effective, they may also pose risks to human and environmental health when used improperly or overly-repeatedly, and can contribute to the development of resistant pests. Physical barriers that avoid the use of chemicals, such as caulking gaps or sealing cracks, are a safer and more sustainable option. For the best results, work with a pest management company that offers both prevention and treatment services to create a customized plan for your home. The right pest solution will address your specific needs and prevent pests from gaining access to your home in the first place. This will save time, money and effort in the long run.
Treatment
Pests are more than just an annoyance; they can cause serious damage and pose a health threat. Some pests, like termites and cockroaches, can contaminate food, spread diseases, and trigger allergies and asthma. Others, like fleas and mosquitoes, can bite and transmit disease, while rodents chew through wires and insulation, leading to property damage and posing a health risk. Pest control services eliminate pests and prevent them from returning, keeping your home and business safe.
Treatments are available for most pests, and the best approach depends on the type of pest and the severity of the infestation. For example, a termite infestation requires ongoing inspections and monitoring to ensure the problem doesn’t resurface. Often, termite prevention includes a combination of barrier treatments and baiting systems. For other pests, spraying can be effective, as well as trapping and dusting.
Many companies offer green pest solutions that use natural products derived from plants, flowers, and earth elements to kill pests and discourage them from returning. These are a great choice for people who want to avoid harsh chemicals and their harmful side effects, such as respiratory issues and chemical sensitivities. However, it is important to note that these types of treatments are typically preventative rather than curative, and they may require more frequent service.
Whether you choose an eco-friendly pest solution or traditional pesticides, a professional can help you decide what method is right for your situation. In any case, you should always ask your pest control service to identify the specific pests they are targeting and what their treatment plans entail. Additionally, be sure to read the label of any chemical that is applied to your home and write down the EPA registration number and safety warnings so you can easily look up more information if necessary.
A pest problem can be costly, and catching them early can save you money in the long run. It is much less expensive to treat a small infestation than it is to repair the damage caused by a full-blown one. And a good pest control company will work with you to create an individualized plan that protects your home and business throughout the year, including seasonal strategies that target specific pest patterns.
Monitoring
Monitoring is an essential part of a pest management program, especially for the food industry. It offers a 24/7 set of eyes and ears to detect pests in locations that are hard to inspect during regular maintenance visits (drop ceilings, wall voids and gaps, hidden beams). Insect sampling techniques can supplement visual monitoring by detecting insects that cannot be seen or detected with the naked eye (fly larvae, scarab grubs, etc.). These samples are tested to determine the pest species present and can help guide control measures.
When monitoring indicates that a specific area of the facility has increased pest pressure, it can redirect Sprague technicians and facility staff to that area for identification and taking corrective actions. Roden says, “This could mean it’s a simple matter of a door being left open or it may be that products are contaminated prior to entering the facility.”
The instant notifications that most pest monitors provide allow technicians to take action before the problem escalates and eliminates the need for wait-and-see approach. This helps reduce the need for regular broad-spectrum pesticide applications which can save money and increase sustainability efforts.
Pest monitoring also helps identify the root cause of an issue, which allows technicians to better serve customers and address the problem quickly. In addition, the data collected can be used to track trends and identify issues that can be resolved, such as shift sanitations, supplier problems, trash removal scheduling or facilities exclusion weaknesses.
Although there are cost savings associated with the use of pest monitors, they should not be used as a replacement for an integrated pest management plan. It is important to consult a pest professional before making the decision to use these devices in your facility. If used incorrectly, they can lead to a false sense of security or complacency, which can make a pest problem even more difficult to resolve.
Education
A pest-free environment is critical in any educational facility. Pests can disrupt learning and damage property, and they often carry diseases that threaten the health of students and faculty. Sprague offers educational programs that help staff and students understand pests, their impact, and how to prevent them.
Pests such as rodents, roaches, and flies are common in cafeterias and classrooms. They are attracted to food, water, and shelter in confined spaces such as cracks and crevices, cabinets, and desks. Rodents, in particular, pose a major safety concern as they are known to transmit disease and cause structural damage. Flies are also troublesome in schools, carrying more than half a billion organisms on their bodies that could lead to contamination and illness. Integrated Pest Management programs that prioritize prevention and monitoring over treatment reduce the risk of these harmful pests in school buildings.
IPM is a stepwise approach that begins with sanitation and exclusion strategies, followed by monitoring to determine where, when, and how much control is needed. When a pest problem is detected, controls are applied as needed to reduce the population to an acceptable level with minimal harm to people and property. The EPA’s Center of Expertise for School IPM has a variety of educational and training resources available, including a webinar series.
In addition to education for students and staff, a pest solution program should involve ongoing inspections. Regular inspections allow staff and technicians to identify problems in their early stages, when they are easier to manage and less damaging. It is also important to communicate with school administrators, parents, and students about pest management issues and any treatments that may be necessary.
This helps alleviate concerns, and it is essential for ensuring compliance with regulations such as the Healthy Schools Act. Keeping everyone informed can build trust and confidence in the school’s pest management program. Educating everyone on pests, their impact, and how to reduce the risks of pest infestations helps create an environment that is conducive to learning. A pest-free campus promotes health and safety, maintains a positive reputation, preserves property, and lowers maintenance costs.