General Pests Basic Control – How To Stop the Invasion

When Pests Come and in What Season

The variety of general pests can be difficult to keep track of. Knowing when to look out and what to look for. I know from experience just how hard it can be to keep up. There are steps you can take and should to prevent and avoid many of these insects and rodents. Even if you do not see any pests, doesn’t mean they are not there. It is recommended by some experts to have your home checked every 6 months to a year. Working with a professional pest control company has many added benefits.

Recent or Current Infestation

If you have already experienced an infestation and are working with a pest control specialist, they may recommend inspections sooner. That should be a question you ask the company you are working with. Depending on the infestation, and which insect it is, it may take more than one treatment to eradicate them from your home. Opting out of further treatments when needed could cause the problem to become worse over time.

General Pests and Our Treatments

General pests require treatment for several reasons. First, prevention would be the number one reason for your home. Second, if you have recently needed another treatment, a generalized treatment can help in preventing the return of that pest and others who might move in to take their place. Insects and pests are seasonal, therefore it is hard to treat every species at different times. Most treatments can last a year or up to 8 years based on the type of treatment.

General Pest Seasons Insects Are Active

Winter

When winter starts to move in and cool things off, bugs start to move indoors as well. They want just as much warmth as you do and don’t ask your permission. Those dark corners in the garage or basement, in cabinets and closets, are good hiding places. Let’s not forget about the attic as well. Mice can gain access through weep holes in the brick and get inside the wall and build a nest in your attic or crawl space.

Spring

Springtime causes those hiding insects to spring back into action with warmer weather. You might start to see some new ant hills. Those pesky fleas will start showing up in your backyard and be waiting for the next pet or human to jump onto. Although they may be outside, they are going to try and gain access to your home looking for a food source. You should check your kitchen, doorways, and windows for signs of insects looking for a place to sneak into your home.

Summer

Oklahoma can experience hot temperatures that affect us, but they don’t affect insects at all. As a matter of fact, it may cause more to show up, especially on cool nights. With Summer comes the mosquitoes and wasps on top of ants, fleas, and termites. Once again, check out those doorways and window seals for any evidence or signs insects are making entry.

Fall

During the Fall season, temperatures start to cool off a little bit in Oklahoma. This is the time when bugs start thinking about moving inside your home. After all, your home is the perfect place to survive those colder months instead of outside. Unfortunately, mice start to look for a warm place to move into as well. The close you are to nature, the more mice you will experience. Checking attics and basements is always a good idea during this time. If you store anything in cardboard boxes in your basement or attic, you might pull them off the shelf or move them around so you can check for any rodent signs.

General Pest – Year-Round

As if you didn’t have enough to worry and think about already, some pests never let up all year. In particular, bed bugs, roaches, and spiders are active throughout the year. Consequently, we advise periodic inspections around beds, living area furniture, your garage, and the kitchen area.

#1 Way to Stop General Pests is Through Prevention

As long as you are aware of the seasonal movement of certain insects they can be stopped. There are several things you can actively do yourself to protect your home. Here are a few simple steps to help prevent future pest problems:

• Maintain the areas outside your home
• Prevent water and moisture build-up or pooling, maximize proper drainage
• If you like to garden, spend some time researching what plants attract certain bugs. Learn how to stop them before they take over your garden and home.
• Make sure your windows and doors are tight and the seals are in proper condition.
• Check for any new leaks or cracks in the exterior walls or foundation. These are like “billboard signs” for any insects and rodents looking for a way inside.
• Schedule annual inspections for termites, especially if has been a few years.
• Consider including a general pest treatment yearly in your home maintenance plan.

Regardless of what steps you take, the best way to prevent infestations is to regularly schedule inspections by yourself and a professional company like Bobbi Ray’s Termite & Pest Control.