Pest Prevention without Pesticide
Q: What you can to do prevent pest problems without pesticide?
Rodents:
- Deny them food by storing pet food in rodent proof containers.
- Never leave pet food outside.
- Manage bird feeders so rodents can’t get the bird food.
- Deny them cover with proper landscaping, deck design, and maintenance.
- Eliminate clutter.
- Deny rodents access to your home by sealing the more common access points such as AC line access, utility hookups, gable and eave vents, rotted facia and siding.
General pests:
- A well maintained home with a properly working AC is less likely to have pest problems.
- Minimize clutter, make sure landscaped areas drain properly.
Termites:
- Repair leaks and moisture problems as soon as possible.
- Make sure drainage measures are working properly.
- Proper ventilation of crawl spaces can minimizes termites and their damage.
Weevils and moths:
- Dispose of any grain products that appear to have weevils or moths.
- Store pet food in a sealed container.
- Purchase grain products in small quantities so they are consumed before weevils develop.
Gnats:
- Remove decayed plant matter.
- Over watered potted plants should be allowed to dry out or removed.
- Clean drains and disposals.
- Close/seal drains to eliminate them as a possible source.
- Fresh flowers that are kept to long should be disposed.
Spiders:
- Reduce night lights on exterior with motion sensors.
- Minimize clutter.
Fleas:
- Keep pets on systemic flea medicine recommended by your vet.
- Wash pet bedding often.
- vacuum carpets and clean hard floors often.
IPM and green techniques related to residential structural pest control are for the most part nothing more than common sense and good housekeeping. The responsible application of the appropriate pesticide is not harmful to man or his environment.
Modern pesticides are developed with safety to the environment and man as a primary concern and are often safer and more effective than a lot of so called natural cures. In most cases we are called to eliminate pests that are invasive species and themselves harmful to the environment. Rats, roaches, bedbugs, fleas to name a few.
