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Green Pest Control: Fall Tips for Your Home and Garden

bed bug

As temperatures start to cool and the weather gets wetter, the chances of finding unwanted pests in and around your home will increase. Homes provide the ideal environment for pests seeking shelter, food, water and hiding spots in preparation for the cold winter months. By using the green pest control tips below, you can ward off some of the most unwanted pests this Fall, including:

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are the ultimate hitchhikers, catching a ride into your home on luggage, clothing and used furniture. They prefer to park themselves within 5 feet of their food source – humans and pets. These pests are commonly picked up from hotels and other people with infested homes. A child can accidentally bring bed bugs home after a sleepover or study session with a classmate.

As adults, bed bugs are about the size and color of an apple seed. Young bed bugs are translucent with a hint of yellow, but will display red abdomens after feeding. Signs of bed bugs include rust-colored stains on your sheets, mattress, headboard, pet bed or other areas where the insects may hide (such as closets or nearby furniture). The more obvious signs of a bed bug infestation are the itchy bites they leave behind on your skin.

Getting rid of bed bugs is extremely difficult without the help of a professional. If you think you have bed bugs in your home, immediately call a green pest control service. The experts will come to your home, locate the nesting sites and use eco-friendly techniques such as heat treatments to get rid of them.

Rodents

Rodents are opportunistic pests that are happy to take full advantage of the resources your home offers. They can carry dozens of diseases and transmit them via their waste or bites. One of the more dangerous diseases rodents carry is the hanta virus, which can be lethal if it’s not identified and treated early.

The best green pest control method for rodents is prevention in the form of a pristine home and garden. Since your yard and garden are likely the first areas rodents will visit, make them unattractive by keeping them weeded and free of debris, fallen branches, rotten fruits and vegetables and overgrown shrubs. Seal cracks on the exterior of your home, keep your grass trimmed, cut back branches that overhang your home, use a lid on outdoor trash cans and keep woodpiles elevated and away from your house. In-home prevention includes maintaining a clean floor, fixing leaks and never leaving food out in the open. Keep your home tidy to discourage the creation of nests, and store the food in your pantry in strong plastic, glass or metal containers with lids.

If you suspect you have rodents living in your home, call a pest control service that specializes in integrated pest management. This eco-friendly approach will help keep you and your family safe by reducing your risk of exposure to rodent waste.

Spiders

One of the most feared pests, spiders are rarely dangerous. Arachnids usually appear if your home provides them with a source of food – usually in the form of other insect infestations. Green pest control for spiders can be as simple as dusting your home thoroughly, vacuuming often and removing clutter. If you are finding an unusual amount of spider webs, call a pest control specialist to inspect for and take care of hidden nests or an underlying insect infestation.

The most effective form of green pest control is prevention. By talking to a local pest control expert, you can learn about specific techniques to practice in your home.

This post is brought to you by Eden Advanced Pest Control, the leading integrated pest management company in Western Washington and Oregon and serves both residential and commercial customers.

Image credit: Armed Forces Pest Management Board via photopin cc

2 comments
  1. Amy Smith

    Pests and rodents are a big menace. I have personally faced the problem of rats in my house. It becomes really difficult to exterminate them from your home. I like the tips. Would apply them in my house.

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