Seeing signs of pest activity is usually just the tip of the iceberg. Pests hide well, and visible signs mean an infestation has likely already started. The best strategy is to immediately call a professional pest control expert.
Before an exterminator arrives, there are steps homeowners can take to help ensure they can do their job effectively and efficiently.
Where was activity noticed? Cockroaches by trash? Ants in pantry? Rodents by back door? Give exterminators a head start.
Clean floors and carpets several days before. Removes debris that hides pest signs. Fresh activity after cleaning indicates active pests.
Remove toys, shoes, clothes from floors. Provides hiding places for pests and obstacles for exterminators.
Fix dripping faucets and leaking pipes. Tell exterminator about recently wet areas so they can search for activity.
Quick clean, open cupboards and drawers, empty trash. Move appliances forward for access behind stoves and refrigerators.
Put food in refrigerator or sealed containers to prevent pesticide contamination. Inspect for pantry pests or rodent signs.
Cover silverware, dishware, and appliances with plastic wrap or trash bags. Clean before use after treatment.
Lock up or remove pets. Seal fish and reptile enclosures with plastic. Turn off air pumps to prevent pesticide intake.
Move furniture 3 feet from walls. Fumigation requires additional steps:
Heat treatment is most effective. Preparation includes:
Critical steps to make treatment effective:
One rodent usually means a family nearby. Preparation includes:
Deep clean surfaces, vacuum thoroughly, store food in pest-proof containers. Exterminators will place bait stations where ants were seen.
Clean area thoroughly, store food safely. Move stoves and refrigerators out for access to hard-to-reach harborage spots.
Give your home time to become safe. Some pesticides take time. Pest activity may increase temporarily as pests are forced out of hiding.
If any food or medication may have been contaminated by pesticides, throw them out immediately.
Residual pesticides need to contact pests. Cleaning too early removes pesticides before they can work.
Activity should decrease after a few days to 2 weeks. Dead bugs indicate success. Persistent activity may require retreatment.
If you are dealing with a pest problem, contact EcoGuard Pest Management. Our team of licensed and trained specialists will create a customized plan to effectively eradicate your pest problem. We will provide guidance on necessary preparation steps before inspection or treatment. Call today to schedule!
Identify where pest activity was first noticed and problematic areas to expedite inspection and treatment. Informing the exterminator helps them quickly find potential harborage points.
Clean the area thoroughly and move appliances away from walls to expose cockroach harborage areas. Open cupboards and drawers and remove items so these areas can be treated.
Continue monitoring for ongoing pest activity. If pests remain persistent for weeks after treatment, the first round was likely not successful and requires another attempt.
