As the temperature rises, so does the population of common household pests. While their presence may be deemed as a minor discomfort, the fact is that certain infestations can be costly. In case you’re not aware, termite infestations impact over 130,000 Australian households each year; roughly worth $4 billion in property damage.
Needless to say, you have to be alert and jump at the first sign of cockroaches, rodents, termites, ants, etc. But as much as you’re tempted to hoard pesticides you can readily buy off the shelves, you may end up paying twice as much if you don’t get a comprehensive pest inspection done first.
When the goal is pest removal, it’s hard not to commit mistakes. However, they can be avoided with careful evaluation of the current infestation and sound judgement on your part. To help you further, we’ve listed down common pest control errors property owners tend to make:
Mistake #1 – Not Knowing Your Home’s Exact Square Footage
People often make the mistake of calling a pest control company without knowing the exact squareage of their place. But it’s a crucial first step so pest exterminators know the most appropriate treatment and extermination plan to effectively control the booming pest population. Plus, it helps them give you an accurate quote for the extermination job.
Mistake #2 – Not Keeping Your Home Clean
Clutter and mess are a big problem for people who live in small spaces. More so when the property owner or building tenants suffer from asthma or allergies. Worse, this kind of environment invites various pests into your space. After all, pests love dirty surroundings as it makes for a great breeding ground for them. Soon, your place will be crawling with vermin that eat crumbs off your floors and kitchen counters.
It is imperative that you keep your place clean and tidy when the goal is to keep pests at bay. This will not only keep your space pest-free but makes your house look and feel better. Fortunately, you can keep your space organised with help from proper professionals.
Mistake #3 – Not Knowing the Type of Pests You’re Dealing With
Most homes may house a variety of pests at any given time. Common ones include ants, roaches, spiders, and rodents. All these are notorious for causing property damage and making you feel uncomfortable right in your own sanctuary.
But as much as you want to get rid of them immediately, you have to know the type of pests you’re dealing with. This is helpful because it determines how you get rid of the threat. For example, if you have ants in your home then you should use an ant spray or bait. If you have roaches then it’s best to spray insecticides or baits and traps. For a truly effective solution, however, it’s best to leave the extermination to the pros.
Mistake #4 – Using a One-Size-Fits-All Approach to Pest Control
In all honesty, a one-size-fits-all approach to pest control is not the wisest approach. Remember, different pests require different treatments. A cockroach infestation cannot be resolved with insecticides designed for ants.
For every pest type, there is a specific pest control method or chemical to effectively control their population. You can’t just buy spray from the supermarket and hope for the best. And no, there is no guarantee that they can get rid of all your pest problems. Plus, supermarket-bought bug sprays aren’t as effective as the ones professional pest exterminators use.
Getting rid of the pests you see on sight doesn’t fix the problem either. The majority of pests go about their business unnoticed. Killing one pest will not eliminate the entire colony. Imagine a pest infestation as an iceberg and all you see is the tip while the rest of its body is completely submerged, hidden from view. That’s why it’s best if you hire pest control professionals because they are the best people who will be able to identify the right way to perform pest control at home.
Mistake #5 – Attempting to Use Dangerous D.I.Y. Pest Control
Attempting to use DIY pest control is a dangerous idea that can lead to serious consequences. Exacerbating this is the fact that the majority of DIY pest control methods you see all over the Web are simply ineffective. Whatever you decide to do, it is important to know the risks and dangers associated with DIY pest control before you even try them out in your own home.
The first risk of DIY pest control is that you may not be able to identify the type of pest that you are dealing with, which can lead to ineffective treatment and a worsening infestation problem in your home. For example, when dealing with termites in your home, know that burning a termite nest can cause more damage to termite-infested wooden structures around the home.
Dealing with snakes and spiders by your lonesome is even more dangerous. Australia is home to some of the world’s most venomous spiders and deadliest snakes. Hire pest control experts to help you deal with this kind of problem. It isn’t just worth it putting yourself in a dangerous situation just to save a couple of dollars.
Mistake #6 – Ignoring Signs of Infestation in Your Home
It is important to know the signs of an infestation in your home. This will help you take the necessary steps to get rid of the problem faster.
The most common signs of an infestation are:
- Seeing small insects or bugs crawling around your home
- Finding dead insects or bugs in your home.
- Discovering insect eggs, larvae, or pupae in your home.
- Seeing a lot of ants around your house and garden.
- Detecting a lot of webs and egg sacs on the outside walls of your house.
Once you are already seeing all these signs around the home, take it as a hint to check every corner of your home to know where these pests are coming from. As stated earlier, most of the pest problems are hidden somewhere you will not be able to notice immediately. You’ll need a thorough pest inspection done to get a good idea of what you’re up against, too.
Mistake #7 – Ignoring the Importance of Preventative Measures
Pests can cause significant damage to properties and make it difficult to live inside our homes. While there are many ways to prevent pests from entering your home, the most important thing is to be proactive about it. The importance of preventative measures cannot be overstated. It is the best way to avoid potential pest problems, after all.
Cleaning on a regular basis is one of the most efficient ways to help prevent pest problems, but certain preventive steps can help, too.
Here are some measures you can do at home:
- Remove any accessible food, water, or shelter sources.
- Items, especially edibles, should be stored in secure and closed containers.
- Regularly dispose of rubbish with a properly closed lid.
- Remove any clutter that can potentially become hiding places for pests.
- Prevent outside entry by sealing and plugging any cracks or holes.
There are numerous methods for keeping pests out of your home. The most important thing is to take action before pest invasions even happen. In the end, they are a great way to save time and money as they can help you avoid costly damage and deadly illnesses.
Final Thoughts
Pest control mistakes are common in every household but can be easily avoided. It is important to be aware of these and take the steps to avoid them to have a home free of undesirable creepy crawlies and critters.
Pest control experts like us understand that each species of pest requires some form of unique treatment. It is recommended that you tap a professional service to clear your space from any types of pests, which typically will be great for your peace of mind.
Whether you want to get rid of your pest problem or conduct a routine pest inspection, contact our pest control team today on 1800 737 876! With Pest Police, no pest infestation problem is too big to eliminate.