As a NJ Exterminator this time of year begins a rather hectic season with lots of phone calls from homeowners about general household pests, such as flies, mosquitos, ants, silverfish, and centipedes. How can a homeowner prevent pest infestations from occurring in the first place? Some homeowners simply call their local nj exterminator for a preventative annual spraying hoping that gesture alone will aid in the prevention of pest infestations. General pest control preventative treatments are very helpful, and there are some things that you, the homeowner, can do in conjunction to your preventative pest control service to stretch your dollar and really ward off pests from becoming a nuisance in the first place.
Today, we're going to concentrate on the elimination of breeding grounds for pest control, as well as the elimination of entry points into your home. By following these simple steps, your exterminator treatments will be a lot more effective for you.
Standing Water
Standing water on the property is a breeding ground for a multitude of pests, most notably mosquitoes. If you want to keep mosquitoes to a minimum then the absolute best way to do this is to eliminate any standing water from your property. Things to look for are bird baths, swimming pools, depressions in the lawn's landscape, and clogged gutters & leaders, which all contribute to stagnant water that provides a breeding ground for insects. Take some time to inspect around your home and your property. Clean out any fountains or bird baths from stagnant water, don't neglect your swimming pool and get it opened on time for the season so that the filter continually cleans the water. Look over your lawn for uprooted trees or soil depressions and fill them in so that rain water does not collect and sit. Clean and check your gutters for any clogs and wet leaves. Not only will these steps help prevent pest infestations, but they are generally good home maintenance tips that will keep your home free from water intrusion and water damage, too.
Lawn Debris
Now is the time to begin getting the gardens and lawns looking nice for your summer barbecues and outdoor gatherings! Not only will cleaning up lawn debris improve the aesthetics of your home, it's curb appeal, and overall property value; it will also help reduce the incidence of pest infestations. Wet leaves also provide a breeding ground for pests so clean them up before pests become a problem in your home. Also, trim back any trees or leaves that are situated against your your home. These minor efforts will help you ward off ants, silverfish, and centipedes, to name a few.
Caulk holes
Sometimes pests breed outside and then find their way into your home. It's always a good habit to regularly caulk any small holes to prevent pests from entering your home. Did you know that a mouse can fit through a hole as small as the size of the tip of your finger? Just think of how many ants can march through that very same hole. Check along the foundation, window and door frames, and along any seams in your home structure. This is a cheap and easy way to help prevent bugs from getting inside your home and is a great preventative pest control tactic.
Window Screens
Now that the weather is getting warmer, it's refreshing to finally open up a window and let the fresh air inside your home. Before doing so, you will want to be sure your screens are in tact to prevent unwanted pests from invading your home. Screening may be purchased very inexpensively from your local home improvement store. Repair and or replace any screens that have rips or holes before opening the windows. Obviously the smaller the screen mesh, the more effective it will be in aiding your home pest control. Finer screen meshes will prevent the smallest of pests from entering your home and can also help in the prevention of pollen and outdoor allergens from entering, too, an added bonus for allergy-sufferers.
Here is a useful YouTube video that will show you step-by-step the simple process of replacing a window screen.
These simple procedures are helpful pest control tips throughout the year, best handled in the spring while pests are still in their larvae stage. A little bit of effort will pay off big time by saving you the hassle and costs of dealing with pest infestations before they have the opportunity to occur in many cases.
-Steve Spinelli
Owner/President
