Pests are trouble makers. Every homeowner should prevent any pest from invading a home so that the health of family members remains unharmed and the house’s structural integrity stays intact. It is therefore imperative that people in the household take all necessary measures to avoid a pest infestation. However, sometimes our efforts to eliminate those pesky creatures would just simply go down the drain. Take it or leave it, pest control methods are not always 100% effective especially when not properly administered.
Where sources of food, water, and shelter are available, one can expect pests to be there. Those creepy crawlies will always find a way to your household with every opportunity that arises. Either they squeeze themselves into holes, cracks, or gaps on structure or hitchhike on people’s clothes and belongings.
Cutting to the Chase isn’t a Good Thing!
Of course, our first impulsive reaction after actually witnessing our home is crawling with pests is to get rid of those critters immediately using short-cut pest control methods. We tend to assume that applying over-the-counter pesticides would solve our problem the fastest way. Most people in America used to DIY procedures the would resort to taking matters into their hands. However, what we do not realize is that effective pest control requires patience, careful analysis of the problem, and professional execution of treatment methods. Hence, DIY methods should taken with great caution. As a homeowner, ask yourself, “Are these DIY techniques safe and effective in the long run?
Pest Control Practices that Can Lead to Failure
The reason we fail to exterminate pests despite applying some measures for pest control is misunderstanding the techniques we use. Here are the common pest control practices that people often miscalculate:
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Using the wrong dosage of pesticides
People tend to believe that twice as much is better and so we get tempted to apply more amounts of insecticides than what is specified on the product label in our desperate attempts to kill those pests. This is a very dangerous practice. Too much chemical residue from insecticides in the atmosphere can pose serious damage to our health. It is very important that we read carefully the instructions written on the back of the pesticide container so we will know the appropriate amount of chemicals to use.
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Using the wrong product for the wrong pests
It is not right to assume that all pesticides work for all kinds of pests. This notion is downright off beam. Pesticides specifically meant for cockroach removal will not work for other pests like rodents, bed bugs, or flies. If you apply insecticides for the wrong species of pests, you can expect failure in your pest control. This same goes for using outdoor chemicals inside the house. This is an erroneous and hazardous move as outdoor chemicals are much stronger and more toxic than indoor chemicals; hence, they should not be used for indoor purposes. Before buying anything from the grocery store, always check the back of the product label to find information about disclaimers and warning statements.
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Incomplete application of pest control products
Tiny critters like bed bugs can hide in dark remote cracks, holes, and expansion joints that may sometimes be difficult to reach. However, if you want your pest control products or methods to really take effect, you need to thoroughly apply them in all potential hiding spots. This is especially true for pests like ants, bed bugs, and roaches, which reproduce fast and are challenging to eliminate. Missing one or two hiding areas can make way for re-infestation in just a matter of days.
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Getting on without exactly knowing the extent or source of the infestation
The first thing to do after suspecting a pest problem is to determine exactly its cause. This can will do successfully with the help of pest control professionals. Pest control technicians are skilled when it comes to the nature or behavior of pests. They have the right knowledge and tools for inspecting your property comprehensively so that the source and degree of infestation are clearly defined.
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Incorrect baiting tactics
Sometimes, we are too focused on getting rid of the pests that we stop baiting immediately after killing a few adult ones. We have to keep in mind that baiting should happen for a few more weeks after catching the adult pests in order to also catch the younger ones.
If homeowners are more versed in these common misconceptions about pest control, they will be more guided in their endeavors to keep pests away for good. A consultation with a licensed pest control officer is also a good way to know more about the Dos and Don’ts of pest control.
