Summer is in full swing, and with it a variety of pest pressure as wide and varied as the days stay at their longest. Pest control firms want to inform residential and commercial consumers ten items to consider before you call for service.

  1. "Cleanliness is next to godliness" but it won't necessarily keep insects, rodents or other pests away. As long as there is some type of moisture or food available, pests will continue to plague your home or business. Food and water are the two biggest attractants for nearly any pest.
  2. Bedbugs, on the other hand, do not care about food or water-they simply want to extract blood from your body. Bedbugs hitch-hike into your home on luggage, clothing or furniture.
  3. Keeping your gutters free of debris will help rain water to drain and not collect in areas that will attract pests. Your downspout system should direct water 3-4 feet away from your home or business.
  4. Through a program called Integrated Pest Management or IPM, your pest control specialist will use the least invasive type of treatment plan possible, insuring greater safety and concern for you and your family as well as the environment in general.
  5. Your home or business may have trees that rodents or insects can use to gain access. The outer perimeter of your structure should have a 3 foot runway of clear unobstructed space. Your pest control specialist could recommend that the only treatment necessary is to remove and repair whatever is attracting pests.
  6. Allow the pest control professional to fix your problem before you attempt any "do it yourself" products. Cross-contamination will take place when over-the-counter products co-mingle with products your pest control company chooses to use.
  7. You have heard that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Perhaps you don't see any evidence of pest pressure now-but your pest control technician may find areas of your home or business that have points of access and need exclusionary measures. It would be impossible to exterminate every ant, every roach, or every rodent from the face of the planet, but it is not impossible to keep them from invading your home or business with some type of exclusion.
  8. If you encounter a rodent problem or any other type of pest issue, alert your neighbors. If you live in an apartment complex and discover roaches in your kitchen or bedbugs in your bedroom, chances are they will be found in your neighbors apartments also.
  9. Verify your pest control company has the correct license, insurance, workman's comp, and a written guarantee. Subsequent treatments and follow-up is often times needed and you will want to know if these additional inspections and service will cost you any additional money.
  10. Ask and understand the method of extermination. Ask and understand what types of chemicals are applied. Ask for a copy of the M.S.D.S. forms. Do this for the sake of safety. You have a right to know!

Any change in the season will increase the potential for your home or business to encounter a pest invasion. It is never too soon to begin a preventative pest control program. Don't wait until you see the pest, begin a preventative pest control program today.

To learn more and get the best Northern Virginia pest protection, contact My Pest Pros at 703-665-4455.