How Often Do You Truly Need Pest Control?

Nobody likes pests in the house! If you have them, we know how much you want to get rid of them. If you don’t have them, you definitely want to prevent them. So if you’re wondering “How often should I treat my home for pests?” we have some information for you. Your first thought might be that you need to bring home some sprays, traps and powders to deal with this issue yourself. At Albert’s Termite & Pest Control, we’ve been dealing with pests of all kinds for more than 40 years, and in that time, we’ve learned a few things about both treatment and prevention! We are happy to share some of our tips. But keeping a pest-free home can be harder than you think, so if you need some help, call us at 309-839-9840.

In General, Quarterly Treatments Are Sufficient

If you haven’t had a serious infestation of pests like roaches and ants and you want to keep it that way, a quarterly spray is likely sufficient. If you’ve had an infestation, you may need more frequent treatment. Of course, doing your part with routine good housekeeping is also important. We can give you specific advice based on your particular situation.

Some Pests Bug Everybody

With persistence, you may be able to solve some of the more common pest problems yourself, but others are definitely jobs for pros.

• Fleas – If you have furry friends, sooner or later you’re probably going to have to do battle with fleas. It takes a two-pronged approach. Your first step is to visit your veterinarian. Ask about the medications that kill fleas and ticks that bite your cat, dog or other pet. Whatever your vet’s advice, follow it closely. Your second point of attack is in your home. Thoroughly vacuum all floors – both carpeted and hard surfaces – and all upholstered furniture daily. Be sure to empty the vacuum collection container or bag daily. Identify areas where your pet likes to sleep or spend time, and place special emphasis on cleaning these areas. It’s important that you wash all your pet’s bedding at least once a week. Use the hottest water that’s safe for the bedding. If your pet has stuffed animals, throw those into the wash along with the bedding. Purchase flea traps and use flea spray, paying special attention to the places where your pets spend most of their time.
• Cockroaches – We can reassure you that a cockroach infestation can happen in even the best-cleaned homes. For example, if you live in an apartment building, know that pests don’t respect boundaries. If the apartment or condo next to you has an infestation, chances are good that some of the pests will end up in your home. Getting rid of them will require extreme vigilance. In the kitchen, wipe down every surface daily. Wash all dirty dishes immediately. Never leave garbage in the kitchen overnight – take carry it all outside daily. You can try over-the-counter bait and sprays, but use extreme caution if you have young children or pets. Some people say sprinkling a fine layer of diatomaceous earth on surfaces where they’ve seen cockroaches helps drive them off.
• Ants – Many of the best tips for ridding your home of ants are similar to other pest advice. As always, be vigilant about keeping your house free of garbage or food spills. Some ants like wet wood, and are attracted by even tiny water leaks within your walls that you didn’t know about. Take note of every location where you’ve seen ants, and place ant bait stations in each area. Again, be very careful with insecticides, especially if you have children or pets in your home. Always use only as directed.

Have You Experienced The Frustration Of Getting A Mouse Out Of Your House?

Of course, there’s seldom just one rodent in the house. If you see one, expect that many others are likely also present but unseen. It can be harder than you think to eliminate mice and rats. The first thing most people try is zealous housekeeping measures plus baiting and placing a dozen mouse and rat traps all over the house. If you’ve done this, you probably know the frustration of checking a trap the next day, only to find the trap has been tripped but the bait is gone. You may also find traps that the pests ignore, even as you continue to find evidence of their presence. You may keep finding their droppings or you might see a rodent running through the house. At this point, you may want to admit defeat and call in the experts. Call us and we’ll handle the problem for you.

Termites Require A Different Approach

Termites are much more than a nuisance. They can completely destroy your home, and getting rid of them requires professional assistance. The effective chemicals required to wipe out a termite infestation are best used only by trained professionals – in fact, in some areas, the effective chemicals can only be sold to licensed professionals. That’s why attacking termites is not a job for the do-it-yourselfer. We use strong, effective, EPA-approved chemicals, and our technicians are well-trained and certified in using them safely. For homes and non-food businesses, we recommend a 100 percent effective treatment called Termidor. Because termites do so much damage, you’ll want an inspection every year or two.

What’s The Best Way To Keep Out Bugs And Rodents?

Deterring pests or getting rid of them once they’re in takes a lot of work. Pests need surprisingly  small openings to get into your house. Mice only require an opening the size of a dime. Rats only require an opening the size of a quarter. Bugs require even smaller openings. It’s a good idea to periodically inspect your entire house for openings, and to seal even the smallest ones. Here are some basic DIY pest preventions:

• If you have pets, store all their food in rodent-proof and insect-proof containers.
• Always practice good housekeeping.
• Use rodent-proof and insect-proof trash cans with tight lids.
• Check your garage and basement for anything likely to attract pets – this could include flower bulbs, grass seed, etc. If you have such items, store them in insect-proof and rodent-proof containers.

We Are Here To Help You!

The battle of bugs and other pests can be daunting. But with our help, it’s a battle you will win. So if you are still wondering “How often should I treat my home for pests?” just give us a call. The pest control service trusted by the greater Peoria area is Albert’s Termite & Pest Control. Call us at 309-839-9840.