Did you know that cockroaches can cause allergies? Did you know that, without treatment, termites will almost certainly enter your home? Did you know that it is almost impossible to eradicate bedbugs without special treatment?

DIY pest control has become popular. And for an isolated pest problem, a single ant bed or wasp nest picking up some insecticide from your local hardware store may be enough.

There is nothing wrong with trying to cut corners to save a few dollars. But so often a cockroach scurrying across the floor is not an isolated occurrence. It may well be a sign of a larger problem, one that could threaten your health or the structure of your home or business.

Pest control is not something people like to give a lot of thought to. But selecting the right course of action is the most important thing you can do to address a problem. The information in this article will help better weigh your options.

The Bugs!

There are many pests that can infest your home or business. Most are easy to eradicate. Termites and bedbugs are two that need particular attention.

Termites

There are more than 300 species of termites in Australia, but only a handful cause damage to buildings. They are very small insects but can wreak a lot of havoc.

Termites need a moist environment to thrive. The soil is the most common place to find them. This is partly why they are such a threat to buildings: it is likely that they live in the nearby ground.

Termites will migrate to areas that are high in moisture, such as rotting wood. They are attracted to areas that have poor drainage; stumps or dead trees; garden mulch; and firewood stored near your home.

Termites will attack one in four homes in Queensland. The average cost of termite damage to the housing industry is almost $4 billion a year. And the average expense for treatment and repair is about $10,000 per home. Many home and building insurance policies will not cover repairs for damage associated with termites.

One of the worst things you can do is try to eliminate termites yourself. For instance, if you spray them with insecticide, they will retreat and find another way to enter your home or business.

If you discover you have a termite infestation, you should act quickly. Contact a reputable pest control service so that you can limit any damage done to your home or office building.

Termite prevention is the best course of action. According to the Royal Institute of Architects, the best thing you can do to prevent termites is regular and thorough inspections.

There are different ways to control termites. Physical barriers made of rock or metal are the least toxic treatment method. But their effectiveness is limited. You also would need to get the colonies completely under control before considering this option.

Chemical barriers are an effective treatment method. These can be applied around a structure to keep the termites from entering. They are buried in the soil around a building. These are safe to the environment, as well as children and pets, but should be installed by a professional.

Also, consider companies that use products that do not repel termites. This may sound counter-intuitive. But termites are good at identifying chemicals and avoiding them. A better choice may be a product that creates a constant invisible shield to any termites trying to cross it.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, brown insects that live off the blood of mammals. They reproduce rapidly. Bed bugs generally do not spread disease but can be an unwelcomed nuisance.

Bed bugs do not live in nests but small colonies. They also can fit within very small crevices. This makes them difficult to eradicate.

Bed bugs are active at night, and often bite people when they are sleeping. This results in red splotches on the skin that can look much like mosquito bites.

If you think you have bedbugs, remove all linens from the bed and contact an exterminator. If not eliminated quickly, they can spread to other rooms.

Chemical treatment is usually required to remove these pests. So it is important to choose a company that uses safe but effective products.

When to Hire a Pest Control Expert

In addition to major concerns like termites and bed bugs, there are a variety of pests you might encounter. These include:

• Cockroaches
• Ants
• Spiders
• Flies
• Fleas
• Ticks
• Beetles
• Mosquitos
• Silverfish
• Earwigs
• Wasps
• Mites
• Pantry pests
• Weevils
• Crickets
• Lice
• Moths
• Rodents

Pest control services can offer comprehensive protection to your home or business. A professional will be able to tackle any situation that arises.

Another reason to hire a pest control service is that they will know what insecticides to use for each situation. There are a wide variety of products available. A quick glance at the insecticide aisle at your local hardware store will prove that the choices can be overwhelming.

A professional will know which pesticide to use and where to use it to effectively exterminate pests. Also, seek out companies that use low-impact products that are safe for children and pets. Whatever service you use, they should make you aware of the ingredients included in their insecticide.

A pest control company may also be able to disinfect your home or business after an infestation. This can help stop the spread of dangerous viruses and bacteria.

Be sure to hire a company that wants you do know how their service works and exactly what the treatment plan is. And a good company will work the customer to find a convenient time for regular pest control service.

The intrusion of pests can disrupt your business, even potentially causing it to shut down. Find a pest control company that offers a comprehensive commercial treatment regimen. A quality pest control service will customize a plan to work with your schedule, to limit interruptions to business.

And if you are a food-service industry, be sure to find a pest control company that is HACCP certified.

The cost of pest control services will vary based on the size of your home or business, as well as the severity of your pest problem. Most established companies will provide some basic pricing based on average treatment needs.

Be sure to select a pest control company that has a proven record. You may be able to save a few dollars here and there with smaller, independent contractors. But a company with a track record of reliability and effectiveness can go a long way to ensuring peace of mind.

Also, find a pest control company that offers unlimited after-service visits. And look for a warranty or moneyback guarantee.

Finally, do your homework. See what people are saying online.

Do Not Wait!

Finding the right course of action of pest control can be daunting, but it does not have to be overwhelming. The right company can solve whatever pest problem you have and make sure that it doe not happen again in the future. Have the peace of mind that your home or business is free of pests so that you can go about your life.

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