Pest Control Tips: Dealing With Cockroaches, Termites, Rodents and Scorpions

Cockroaches are a most undesirable summertime pest that are also a threat to our health by consuming our food and contaminating our indoor environment. Cockroaches live and thrive where there is food, warmth, and moisture, making the summer prime time for them to make an appearance in your home.

Because they flourish where food and moisture are readily available, it is extremely important to maintain good sanitation techniques in your home, as well as utilizing good exclusion practices. By removing sources of food and water from cockroaches, as well as sealing cracks, crevices, and holes where they like to hide, you can help to prevent their appearance in your home.

You may never see a mouse or rat unless an infestation is severe. Look for the following signs of rat or mouse infestation. Rodent droppings around food packages, in drawers or cupboards, and under the sink. Nesting material such as shredded paper, fabric, or dried plant matter. Signs of chewing on food packaging. Holes chewed through walls and floors that create entry points into the home. Stale smells coming from hidden areas. Discourage rats and mice from taking up residence on your home by removing food and water sources, and items that can provide them shelter.

Seal holes inside and outside the home to keep rodents out. This may be as simple as plugging small holes with steel wool, or patching holes in inside or outside walls.Remove potential rodent nesting sites from your property, including leaf piles and deep mulch. Clean up food and water sources in and near your house. Keep kitchen garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids. Turn compost piles to cover newly added food scraps.

Rainstorms drive flying termites to mate during warm weather, moisture from rain also contributes to water damage in homes, thus attracting termites and other pests. In addition, rain can make getting rid of stubborn termite infestations even more difficult.

Make sure you check your home for any signs of Termites or Dry Rot and have it addressed ASAP. This is something you do not want to wait on, for the damage not seen can be substantial. Over 5 Billion dollars in damage is caused every year by Wood Destroying Insects.

There are 90 species of scorpions in the United States but only one, the Arizona bark scorpion, has venom deadly enough to kill a human. This species is usually yellow-brown and less than three inches long. Even though most scorpion stings are not deadly, their sting is still very painful, so it is best to avoid them.

If you encounter a scorpion, you should proceed with caution. You can try to remove the pest yourself by scooping the scorpion into an empty container and discarding it, but be sure to wear protective clothing such as gloves and long sleeves. If you would prefer not to approach it, you can call a pest control professional for help.

To help avoid encounters with scorpions in and around your home follow the following steps. Eliminate standing water. Seal cracks and crevices, especially around doors and windows where they can gain access to your home. Inspect cabinets, closets, and other dark places on a regular basis. Clear away brush, debris, and woodpiles from the perimeter of your home. Keep firewood about 30 feet away. Scorpions feed on other insects such as crickets. You can help eliminate crickets by turning outdoor lights off at night.