What Is Exterminating?
The word exterminate means utterly destroy. Other words with similar meanings are extirpate and eradicate.
Professional pest control services often include the use of sprays. These contain potent chemicals that require special licensing and adherence to strict safety measures. Products like Bifen IT and Suspend SC contain the pyrethroid deltamethrin, which is safe for families, pets, and plants after it has dried. Contact PermaKill Exterminating now!
Before you choose an exterminator, you should familiarize yourself with the company’s qualifications. Ask if they use Integrated Pest Management and whether or not they have a certified entomologist on staff. These qualifications speak to their experience and commitment to utilizing environmentally friendly pest control methods. In addition, make sure to ask about any upfront or recurring costs for their services.
A good exterminator will take the time to identify the source of your infestation. They will also be able to explain the specifics of your problem so you can better understand and address it. This will ensure that you don’t end up with a return visit or additional infestations as a result of misdiagnosis.
When choosing an exterminator, look for a company that offers both preventative and emergency services. This will help you save money in the long run, as it’s less expensive to stop an infestation before it starts than to treat it after it has already begun. Look for a company that provides comprehensive pest services, including termite inspections and treatments, as well as cockroach extermination and bed bug removal.
A great way to gauge a company’s customer service is to call or email them with any questions. You should be greeted by a friendly and helpful representative who will answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
You should also pay close attention to the way an exterminator treats their customers. A courteous and respectful demeanor speaks volumes about how they will treat you and your home. This is especially important when hiring a pest control company, as they will be coming in and out of your house with chemicals and other potentially dangerous materials.
If you are concerned about termite damage, an exterminator will check areas where wood contacts the ground near your home, such as a wooden fence or deck. They will also inspect wood piles and advise you to store firewood away from your home. Additionally, they will look for mud tubes, which are like covered highways that termites build to get from one place to another.
Preparing Your Pets
Many homeowners worry about the safety of their pets during pest control services. While most products used by pest control experts are safe for animals, it is important to understand the risks and prepare your pets accordingly. This will help keep everyone safe during and after pest control treatments.
If possible, ask a friend or family member to watch your pets during your extermination service so that they will not be exposed to any chemicals or other treatment materials. This may be particularly beneficial if the area being treated is outdoors. It is also recommended that you remove your pets’ toys, food bowls and water dishes from areas being treated to prevent them from being contaminated with any residual pesticides. Additionally, if you use granular pesticides, it is a good idea to ask your exterminator if it’s okay for you to water them in afterward to help minimize the risk of residues being tracked into homes.
Pets can be extremely curious, which could result in them accidentally ingesting or inhaling chemical sprays during and after pest treatment. If you can, put them in a secure room or kennel to avoid this from happening. If you are unable to do this, ensure the area being treated is well-ventilated and wait for the proper amount of time before letting your pets back into the house.
It is also a good idea to move large furniture pieces, like couches and dressers, away from walls to allow an exterminator to inspect behind them for signs of pest activity. This will allow them to place traps or baits in more places that a rodent might travel and maximize the likelihood of trapping a pest.
In addition to preparing pets, it is a good idea to be aware of how certain pest control methods can affect fish and other aquarium wildlife. This will help you take the necessary steps to protect them during treatment, including removing them from your home or covering their tanks.
In some cases, it is best to ask a friend or family member to watch these types of animals so that they will not be exposed to any pesticides and can remain in a safe location until the affected area has dried completely. In other cases, it may be a good idea to look into professional pet care services, such as dog walking or day care, to provide your furry friends with a safe and comfortable environment while you are away.
Preparing for Treatment
The goal of exterminating is to remove pests from a home or building. This can be accomplished by using sprays, baits, traps, and other methods of controlling the pest population. It can also involve repairing any areas in which pests have gained access to the property to keep them from returning. Exterminators are trained to inspect the pest infestation and determine what needs to be done. This involves examining the area to find where pests are residing and searching for signs of pest activity like droppings, damage, or actual sightings of the pests themselves.
During the inspection process, it is important that you let your exterminator know about any areas of your home where you have seen or suspect pests are living. This allows them to search for the pests and find them quickly and efficiently. It is also a good idea to have any photos of the pests that you can show them for identification purposes.
If the treatment is indoors, it is important that you declutter the area to expose baseboards and other hidden spaces that can be hiding places for pests. This can involve moving items around such as furniture and large appliances. This will also make it easier for the exterminator to treat problem areas.
Kitchens are one of the most common areas where pests tend to hide. It is important to clear out cabinets and drawers, wash any dishes, and place food in containers that can be sealed away during the treatment process. It is also a good idea to empty out and clean your garbage cans to prevent pests from seeking out food sources.
It is also a good idea to fix any areas where pests are entering the property such as cracks in the walls, floors, windows, and doors. This can be accomplished by applying caulking or weatherstripping where necessary. It is also a good idea to close any vents in your home that can be used by pests for access into your house.
If you are receiving bed bug treatment, it is important to clear out any bedroom furnishings including closets and dressers. This includes removing all bedding and linens from the bedrooms. This will allow the exterminator to thoroughly search for bed bugs and their eggs. Be sure to wash all clothing and fabrics in the hottest water possible before replacing them.
Post-Treatment Care
After pest control treatment, there are several things you can do to prevent pests from re-infesting your space. Make sure to take regular cleaning actions around your home, including throwing out garbage regularly and removing overwatered plants as these can be attractive to many pests. In addition, you should schedule regular inspections of your plumbing and roof to ensure there are no leaks that can be used by gnats, roaches, and other pests.
If you have pets, ask them to stay away from the areas where the pest control services will be taking place. This will help to keep them from ingesting the chemicals, and it will also prevent them from spreading them around your house. Additionally, you should consider asking them to stay with a family member or friend while the treatment is being conducted.
Depending on the type of pesticides used, your exterminator will be able to tell you whether or not it is safe to return to your house. In most cases, you will be able to return within about 30 minutes or a few hours after the spraying is done.
Once you are back inside, you will likely notice that your house is a little dirty. This is normal, but be cautious and don’t wipe any surfaces right away. If you do, you could remove the chemicals and ruin the effect of the treatment.
Instead, mop the floors with warm soapy water and avoid mopping the walls. You can always call your home exterminator for precise guidelines, but be careful not to clean the edges of your walls right away as this may interfere with their treatment process. Additionally, you will want to sweep away any crumbs or other debris that may have been left behind by the pests during their invasion of your home.
Another thing you will want to do is clear out any rodent traps or baits that were placed in your home. Doing this will help to reduce the spread of disease-causing bacteria and germs, which are found in rodent feces and urine. It is important to use caution when handling these traps and baits, so be sure to wear gloves and a mask if you do need to.