Top Five Indoor Pest Prevention Tips.

When it comes to pest control, prevention is always less expensive and less time-consuming than trying to treat an infestation after it happens. By practicing these simple, common-sense pest prevention tips, you should be able to significantly reduce the risk of the most common types of pest infestations like ants, cockroaches, spiders, and rodents. 

1. Store Food in Airtight Containers.

We’re not the only species that enjoys sweets, pasta, stored grains, nuts, and other tasty foods. If you plan to store food for more than a couple of weeks, it should be protected in a tight container. 

Protects against: Ants, Indian Meal Moths and Rodents

2. All Drains Need a Functional P-trap, filled with Water.

Drains are engineered to have a bend filled with water to prevent sewer gas and pests from entering your home from the outside. Drains that are damaged or rarely used (think basement floor drains and guest bathrooms) often dry out, which can easily allow pests indoors. 

Protects against: Cockroaches, Flies and Spiders 

3. Dehumidify Basements and Other Damp Places.

Indoor humidity has become less of an issue with the rise of air conditioning, but it is still problematic in basements and bathrooms. High humidity can lead to mold growth (which some pests feed on) as well as compromising wood, making it more attractive to pests. 

Protects against: Beetles, Drain Flies, Earwigs and Spiders

4. Clean the Kitchen and any Other Places where Food Accumulates.

One of the simplest ways to deter pests is to make sure they do not have access to any food source. Even a small amount of crumbs or sugar left on the floor or a countertop can be an invitation to a variety of pests. Be on the lookout for food buildup under and behind appliances and follow a regular cleaning schedule. 

Protects against: Ants, Indian Meal Moths, Cockroaches, Flies and Rodents

5. Give Pets Limited Feeding Times (Instead of All-day Buffets) and Promptly Clean up Their Waste.

Leaving pet food out 24-7 is an amazing way to feed hordes of ants, cockroaches, and rodents. We don’t recommend it! Keep pet food in a pest-proof container instead of the bag it came in, and only feed when needed. Try to avoid leaving any food or crumbs in your pet's dish.

Protects against: Ants, Indian Meal Moths, Cockroaches, Flies and Rodents 

Rose Practices Integrated Pest Management (IPM) For The Home

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally friendly approach to pest control focusing on prevention rather than the routine application of pesticides.

Benefits of Integrated Pest Management

• Reduce the number of pests
• Reduce the number of pesticide applications
• Save money
• Protect property and health

Successful IPM programs use the following implementation approach:

1. Identify Pests

Proper pest identification:

• Determines the best preventative measures
• Helps reduce the unnecessary use of pesticides
• Prevents the elimination of beneficial organisms

2. Prevent Pests

IPM focuses on prevention by removing conditions that attract pests, such as food, water, and shelter. Preventive actions include:

• Reducing clutter
• Sealing areas where pests enter the building (weatherization)
• Removing trash and overgrown vegetation
• Maintaining clean dining and food storage areas
• Installing pest barriers
• Removing standing water
• Educating building occupants on IPM

3. Control Pests

Pest control is required if prevention is ineffective. IPM programs use the most effective, lowest risk options considering the risks to the applicator, building occupants, and environment. Control methods include:

• Pest trapping
• Heat/cold treatment
• Physical removal
• Pesticide application

Click Here to contact your nearest Rose Pest Solutions service center for more information or an appointment.