Eco-Friendly Pest Control

Summer is typically the height of pesky insect season, but if the thought of using pesticides is "bugging" you, you'll be happy to know more pest control companies are adopting the environmentally friendly approach.

If you do find you have pests the most important thing is finding what is causing them. Is there an area of your house that is allowing them to come in? It is vital that the root cause of the pest is attended to: having someone come out and only treating for the pest without fixing the root cause is just going to cause the problem to come back.

In many cases, pests are in your home because of conditions of the property, and some of these pest problems can be solved without the use of pesticides.

If you're looking to hire a pest control company there are options these days for eco-friendly opportunities. Instead of using traditional pesticides, you can ask about non-toxic methods. This is really important for consumers especially if you have pets and children, as this ensures that following any pest control application, your home is immediately returned to a safe environment.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, which are endorsed by DEFRA, use information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment in combination with available pest control methods to manage pest damage with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment.

With more eco-friendly and safer products available, costs for these products are coming down and are now comparable to traditional methods. However, homeowners need to understand that natural products take longer to work, and the effectiveness diminishes more rapidly than chemical pesticides.

It's important that homeowners interested in green pest control ask the pest control agent about the ingredients being used in products. It is essential that if you are to come in contact with any pest control products, you should follow all safety guidelines and always wash your hands with soap and water after handling.

Top tips for hiring a pest control company

• Do your homework: Check for reviews and recommendations of local pest control companies. Ask how long they have been in business and if they are members of any pest management associations. It's a good idea to get three estimates.
• Check licensing: Ask to see licensing and other credentials before hiring.
• Ask about pest control methods: Make sure you understand the problem, what pests you have, and the way the exterminator / pest control professional is planning to get rid of the pest.
• Understand the contract: Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure you understand all the details include the extent of the problem and the method the company will use to treat the issue.
• Make sure you understand the guarantee / warranty offered: How long it lasts, whether it includes follow-up visits from the contractor, as well as what ongoing prevention you, as the homeowner, will have to do.

Pest control prevention tips

• Maintain your home: There are also easy ways homeowners can avoid a pest or insect problem, by simply keeping up on basic maintenance, like keeping your garden mowed and weeded, and repairing plumbing leaks.
• Seal it up: Seal cracks in your exterior to keep pests like ants, spiders and cockroaches from getting inside. Be sure all doors and windows are properly sealed with tight-fitting screens and weather stripping.
• Remove standing water outside the home: An area with standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Keep it dry: Basements, crawl spaces and attics should be well ventilated and dry.
• Remove any structural damage, such as moisture-damaged wood, from your home: Weak spots can quickly turn into entry points for insects and animals.
• Do not leave food out: Don't leave food sitting out and don't allow pet food to sit out overnight, inside or outside.
• Remove any piles of debris, brick, wood, stone, etc., from around your home: They serve as harbourage for pests, especially rodents.

Article provided by Lavender Pest Control