The FBI has the most wanted list, the homemaker has the 10 most unwanted list! The National Pest Control Association, a non-profit group made up of pest control companies specializing in rodent and insect control, says that the total amount of damage done by household pests each year may exceed $4.5 billion dollars.
Aside from the structural and financial damage they bring, pests can also endanger the health and well-being of your family.
Pests are not restricted to only messy dirty houses, even the best kept house will at one time have a problem with unwanted guests. Scientists have discovered that most household pest invasions are not caused by seasonal influences or because of where you live.
Since homes are climate controlled, many pests will not have trouble living inside the home at any time of year.
One pest, the rodent, will actually grow in numbers when the temperatures drop and they seek shelter in people's homes. There are many different ways that roaches may get into your home initially, like in bags.
While plenty of other pests will hitchhike on your clothes or shoes. As you can tell you have to worry about pest control all year round.
To truly deal with your pest problem you will need to spend more than a couple of bucks on the best pest control the local grocery store has to offer. Pests need three things, these are warmth, food and water.
Therefore it is not simply a case of cutting supply to the three major things pests need to thrive in your home, because you need these things yourself. Instead you need to take steps to prevent pests gaining a foothold in your house.
Keep your house clean and target those places specifically likely to house pests, pay close attention to vents and small crevices, do not forget under the staircase. You need to make sure you throw the garbage out daily and do not leave rubbish there as an all you can eat buffet.
Make sure to have screens on your doors and windows and seal up any cracks that could serve as a point of entry. Buy groceries only when needed and keep foods that are stored in the pantry in tightly sealed containers.
#5 - Be diligent about crumbs and food items that get spilled, and be aware of grocery bags or other containers that could harbor pests. #6 - Produce packages such as netting, plastic wrappings and boxes are particularly vulnerable.
Use pesticides as a last resort, if you do need to use them treat them with care and remember they are potentially harmful. Make sure that any pesticide you buy is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and that it is registered and approved for the intended use.
Not only are these chemicals proven to work, they are safe for the home and the environment. Any time you use a pesticide, follow the directions exactly. Never use roach spray on your tomato plants, for instance.
#9 - Be sure to stores pesticides in a safe area away from children or pets. Be careful when you dispose of unused chemicals.
If you think that you need a professional for your pest control solution, be sure to look up a quality provider in your area. Those in the pest control industry are trained to handle any infestation with the greatest of care and safety.
You will find that the Ten Most Unwanted Common Household Pests and What To Do About Them is a newly published booklet available now, and is very helpful when detailing how to prevent and kill unwanted pests in the home. You can grab it for a low cost and learn how to handle those annoying infestations.