How to Handle a Pest Infestation in Your Home or Business

Insects and pests are a huge problem for property owners of all kinds. In fact, more than 84 percent of U.S. homeowners experienced an infestation or pest issue on their property in 2012 alone.

As weather patterns start to shift, most home and business owners can expect to see an increase in infestations on their property over the years.

Though dealing with a pest infestation can seem stressful, it’s easier than you think. As long as you know where to start, you’ll be able to get rid of those unwanted critters fast.

Here are a few simple tips to help you get rid of household bugs and pests once and for all.

Know What to Look For

Before you can start figuring out how to handle an insect infestation, you need to make sure you have an infestation in the first place. Remember, finding one or two pests on your property doesn’t mean you have to go crazy and implement every possible pest control method you can find. It just means you might have a problem at some point in the future.

Start by keeping an eye on your property and look for common signs of household pests.

Look for droppings in the kitchen or breakroom areas. Inspect wooden furniture for signs of chewing or damage that could indicate a rodent or termite problem. Pay attention to the number of insects you see, where you see them, and how often they pop up.

Whenever possible, take pictures of the damage or droppings as you find them. This way, you’ll have something to refer to and can show professional pest control services what you’re dealing with.

If you notice tons of activity on your property and see that it just keeps coming back, you likely have an active infestation. However, if the activity is moderate and you only notice a few signs of insects and rodents on your property every few months, you likely don’t need to panic.

Identify the Pests if Possible

Different pests and insects require different types of pest control treatments and preventative methods. This means you’ll want to identify the types of insects and pests on your property before you start treating the problem.

Make a note of the types of insects you see inside your house or building. If you’re worried about pests in your landscaping, look at the types of holes you see around your yard.

Then, research the common pests in your area and see which ones look the most similar. Simple search queries like “bed bugs in my house” or “rodent droppings in my area” will be a good place to start.

If you’re not comfortable doing this on your own, you can always reach out to an experienced pest control specialist and let them inspect your property. Once you know what types of insects, pests, and rodents you’re dealing with, you’ll be able to find the right type of treatment to get rid of the problem.

Give Your Space a Good Deep Cleaning

Most infestations happen when your home or business isn’t as clean as it should be. Clutter, dirt, and food scraps all make tempting targets for both insects and rodents alike.

Before you can start using different pest control methods, you’ll need to get your space as clean as possible. Otherwise, the pests will just keep coming back and you’ll find yourself dealing with infestation after infestation.

Go room by room and wipe each surface in the space with your preferred cleaner. Vacuum, sweep, or mop the floors thoroughly to get rid of any remaining food scraps. If you have cardboard boxes lying around, pick them up and dispose of them properly.

When the infestation is just starting out, this can be enough to encourage pests and insects to leave your building. When they can’t find comfortable shelter and adequate food supply, they’ll be more tempted to look elsewhere.

Consider DIY Pest Control Methods

Professional pest control services are always an option, but it’s not always necessary. In fact, most home and business owners can handle infestations on their own as long as they act quickly.

Think about the types of pest control efforts you’re willing to do on your own. If you’re comfortable placing rodent traps around your property, do so as soon as you can. If you’re confident in your ability to safely use insecticides and poisons, put them in areas where you see the highest amount of insect activity.

Just make sure to choose products that manufacturers create to deal with the exact types of pests you have on your property. For example, if you have rats in your basement, standard mouse traps won’t be large enough. If you have fruit flies, ant and roach hotels won’t get rid of the problem.

Once you identify the right types of pest control methods, you’ll need to be consistent. Check the traps and reapply insecticides as suggested by the manufacturer. The more consistent you can be, the less likely it is that the infestation will spread.

Keep in mind that you can always reach out to an experienced professional if you’re worried about the effectiveness of your DIY methods.

Stay on Top of Your Pest Control Efforts

Dealing with any type of insect or pest infestation is a time-consuming process. You need to be willing to commit to getting rid of the pests and stay on top of every pest control effort you make on your property.

Give your space a general cleaning and pick up spills and messes as soon as they happen every day.

Keep an eye on the main entry points on your property. This could be doors, windows, crawlspaces, and even your HVAC system. If you notice any cracks, leaks, or damage, get them repaired as fast as you can.

The sooner you catch potentially new infestations, the easier it will be to keep them from taking hold on your property.

If you have a hard time remembering what to check and when to check it, create a detailed list. Make a habit of running through that list at least once a week.

When you’re diligent and willing to put in the effort, you’ll be able to get rid of the pests once and for all. However, if you take a break or let even a single pest inside your property, you risk letting the infestation take hold.

Call in a Pest Infestation Specialist if Needed

Taking care of household pests and insect infestations can be difficult. If you’re not comfortable addressing the damage on your own or feel that the infestation is too big, call a professional as soon as you can.

Professional pest control services know how to get rid of the most common pests and insects in your area. They’ll be able to treat your building effectively and can eliminate infestations quickly. Even better, they’ll be able to create a long-term plan to keep the insects from coming back in the future.

Just remember that it’s okay to shop around. Get quotes from several pest control companies and compare their services and prices in detail. If you’re worried about the use of potentially hazardous poisons or have kids and pets around the property, mention it when you’re calling around.

Some professionals have treatment methods that are safe for both kids and pets and won’t diminish the indoor air quality in your building.

Establish a Preventative Maintenance Program

Once you get rid of the infestation, you’ll need to be proactive. Establish a preventative maintenance plan for your building.

If you’re working with a professional, schedule preventative treatments several times each year. Your expert will be able to assess your building’s risks and create a clear-cut plan that will keep your property pest-free.

If you’re handling your own pest control efforts, keep doing what you’re doing. Maintain any traps as needed. Use insecticides to get rid of household bugs as soon as you see them coming indoors.

As long as you take care of the basic maintenance, you’ll be able to keep pests from coming back inside in the long run.

Now You’re Ready to Handle an Infestation With Confidence

Dealing with an insect or pest infestation in your home or business is never a fun process. However, as long as you follow these tips, you’ll be able to get rid of the problem quickly.

The sooner you can get rid of those unwanted pests, the safer your building and your belongings will be. If at any point you feel overwhelmed or aren’t comfortable dealing with the infestation on your own, don’t panic. Call a pest control service and let them handle the infestation for you.

No matter what method you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy a pest-free space for years to come.

Looking for more tips to help you stay on top of your property’s maintenance needs? Check out our latest posts.