By DoMyOwn staff
The first step in killing and controlling any type of pest is to perform a good inspection. This video will highlight some of the basic things you should do to insure a good pest control management plan.
In order to perform a home pest inspection, you will need the following equipment: a bright flashlight, flushing agent or aerosol spray containing pyrethrins such as 565 Plus XLO Aerosol, small hand mirror, magnifying glass, paper, and pen.
Step 1. Inspect the Perimeter. Slowly walk around the exterior of the hoome looking for pests, or structure damage that may indicate pest activity. Take note of things such as ant trails on or leading to the home and small holes chewed into wood or siding. Pay special attention to eaves, vents, and other cracks and crevices. Use the flashlight as needed to inspect shawed areas. Spray the flushing agent into cracks and crevices to check for insects.
Step 2. Inspect the Basement & Crawlspace. Using the flashlight and magnifying glass as needed, look under the house for termite mud tubes or any other crawling or flying insect. Use flushing agent to drive insects out of cracks, crevices, and voids. Look for small holes in wood joists or beams that may indicate powder post beetle activity. Check pipes for leaks which could lead to pest activity or dry rot on wood. Look out for any animal activity such as nesting materials or feces.
Step 3. Inspect Indoors. Check the main floors and attic for insect or animal activity. Look for any roof leaks that could cause moisture to build up and attract both insects and rodents. Inspect for insect and rodent activity under sinks, near the hot water heater and in food cabinets. Use the hand mirror to look under and behind appliances to check for activity or feces. Look near baseboards with the flashlight and use the flushing agent if needed. Now that you have completed your inspection, try to identify any insects that were found.
If you don't recognize the insect or are unsure of the identification, call your local Cooperative Extension Office for help. If your search turned up any leaky pipes or moisture conditions such as standing water, address those promptly. Failure to correct high moisture areas of leaky pipes will lead to pest control failure in many cases. Finally, select insecticides that are labeled for the type of insect that has been found and in the area where it is located.
And it's that easy with the expert help from Do My Own Pest Control dot com.
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