The Primary Kinds Of Extermination Tactics
It's your home — it, therefore, makes sense that you would not want to share it with squirrels, mice, or ants! But once these pests move in, getting rid of them can be difficult. Most homeowners choose to call an exterminator and let the exterminator deal with it. And this is wise; exterminators have the equipment, products, and knowledge to get rid of pests effectively. But it is still important for you, as a homeowner, to know a bit about the tactics they are using in their space. Here is a look at the basic extermination tactics used by pest control companies.
Baiting
Baiting is a means of killing pests that involves putting out a poisoned food substance. The pests pick up the food and bring it back to their nests. There, they share it with the other pests — and after eating it, all of the pests die. Baiting is a really good tactic for exterminators to use when they are not sure where the pests' nests are, or if the nest is hidden in areas that can't be accessed. It works well for ants and cockroaches.
Trapping
Trapping is what it sounds like. The pests are caught in a trap, and then they are either relocated or killed. There are live traps for larger pests like squirrels and possums, and there are kill traps for bugs like roaches and smaller rodents like mice. Trapping is sometimes used as a preliminary tactic to bring down the number of pests before another tactic, like baiting or spraying, is used.
Spraying
Spraying usually refers to the spraying of insecticides, so this tactic is used against bugs rather than against larger pests like rodents. The sprays typically kill any bugs that come into contact with them. There are some formulas that work better for ants, others that work well against roaches, and so forth. The spray may be applied to a nest or just to an area the bugs frequent, such as along the baseboards.
Exclusion
Exclusion basically means keeping the pests out. Any pest control effort needs to include an exclusion step, or else the pests are likely to come back. The exclusion would include sealing doors and windows, plugging any holes in the basement or attic, and installing new screens on windows where the screens are torn. Some pest control companies provide these services directly, while others collaborate with remodeling contractors who do the physical work.
Talk to a pest control professional to learn which exterminator services are best suited to your home and your unique pest situation.