Pests & Critters Coming This Fall
Posted by JasonB on September 24, 2009
The last thing we want to see in and around our homes are bugs and rodents. As winter approaches, pests tend to seek warmer environments – making our homes a perfect shelter during the winter months. When we begin to see these critters, we immediately think our only option is pulling out the pesticides and spraying down every nook and cranny of our homes. But before you pull out the spray bottle, consider protecting your home before the pests have a chance of invading your space.
Since all pests come from outdoors, it may be wise to consider how they are getting in. The perfect entry-ways for invasion are cracked foundation walls, leaks around windows and doors, vents, even under siding where exterior blemishes of your house are hidden. Alongside maintaining the exterior of your home, fixing minor blemishes in your home’s foundation and exterior surface is a good start in pest prevention. Another great prevention method is laying a plant-free rock bed that extends 2 to 4 feet out from the foundation of your home. This essentially puts a barrier between the occasional invader and the structure of your house. Organic material such as soil, leaves, mulch, bark and grass retain moisture which attracts pests. It also provides an inviting source for food and shelter, making general yard maintenance a must.
Just like humans, bugs need air, water, food, and shelter for survival. Once they get into your home, little things like leaky pipes, kitty litter, and plant debris are three main sources of survival for unwanted pests. Start your pest prevention with fixing leaky pipes, the last thing you want is water to accumulate anywhere in or around your home. Store food in sealed containers and clean up any “spills” from cooking. If you store wood for the winter, refrain from storing it next to your house. Wood attracts termites and carpenter ants that may eventually migrate to your home’s cozy warm, and very costly, wood framing. Also, emptying your garbage on a regular basis will help keep pests from finding environmental incentives for inhabiting your home.
If you find yourself living with unwanted bugs and mice, consider these steps to pest management.
· Identify the pest problem. This is the first and most important step in pest control. Some pests are unmistakable. Cockroaches, Centipedes and mice are good examples. If you don’t know what kind of pest you’re dealing with, it may be best to catch a sample in a sealed container, stick it in your freezer, and immediately call a professional for an evaluation. To make identification a little easier, MU Extensions has provided a great informational website about insects. Visit their website for more information on bug resources. They also offer an identification and information service for a minimal $15 dollar fee – information for shipment and submission can be found here.
· Decide how much pest control is necessary and what is effective for eliminating the problem. This decision may require the assistance of a professional. Attempting to get rid of all pests inside and outside the home may lead to extensive and repeated chemical treatments that can often only be provided by a skilled professional.
· Evaluate the results. It is important when implementing a pest control method that you give it time to work. It is easier to prevent pests than to control them. The longer you delay prevention methods, the longer it will take to see results.
