Proper use and storage of pesticides
To avoid accidents and misuse, follow these rules:
• Properly identify the pest. Consult a professional or your county extension office for assistance.
• Always read the label. Everything you should know to properly use a pesticide will be there.
• When using a pesticide, make sure it is the best management option. There are often other things that you can do rather than spraying a chemical.
• Keep children and pets away from areas where pesticides are stored, mixed, and used. Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when applying pesticides.
• Always keep pesticides in their original containers. Store pesticides and pesticide equipment in a locked cabinet or room. A cool, dry, well-ventilated area is best. Never store pesticides with or near food, animal feed, medicines or cleaning supplies.
• Purchase only what is needed for one season.
• Do not dispose of empty containers or surplus pesticides where they may be a hazard to fish or wildlife or contaminate water. Do not save or reuse empty pesticide containers. Do not pour pesticides or spray mixtures down any drain, toilet, sink or storm drains.
Check Out These Fantastic Pest Control Tips!
You need more advice on how to control pests in your home. Well, you're about to get some. And you need to keep on learning as well. There is no need to let your whole pest problem be handled by other people. It's your home, so you take control too!
If you are concerned that you have bed bugs, do not try to remove your mattress from your home. Dragging it through the house is likely to spread the infestation. Instead, keep everything stored in that one location. You can add a "bed bug cover" to the mattress to try and contain the problem, although you will need to be seen by a pest control specialist.
Having mice in your home can be a real turn off, not mentioning they carry diseases. In order to exterminate mice in a family-friendly way, use disposable mouse traps. Line the mouse traps with peanut butter to attract mice. After the mouse takes the bait, the mouse trap should slam shut, and you can safely dispose.
Mix equal parts of sugar and borax together for an all natural pest control. Place the concoction into a glass jar and punch holes in the lid for a reusable container. Sprinkle the all-natural product along the outside of your house. Ants will be attracted to the concoction and will carry it back to their nest effectively ridding your home of ants.
Install a cap on your chimney to prevent birds, squirrels and other nuisances from entering. Not only do these animals' nests present a fire hazard, but the critters themselves can carry lice and other parasites. The cap acts as a barricade, keeping intruders out while allowing smoke to pass through.
Critter proof mesh is something that you will want to install in your attic as this can prevent squirrels or mice from entering your home. This is important as these animals can carry different types of bacteria or diseases that you will want to avoid at all costs during the year.
Do not tackle pest control alone if you live in a multiunit structure. Your individual efforts might be successful temporarily, but ineffective in the long run. Insects could just travel to another condo, apartment or townhome and then return. Consult with the property managers or other owners for a building-wide treatment solution.
Clean any highly trafficked food areas every single day. Even a few crumbs each day can lead to a feast for pests over time. It's best then to approach your cleaning not once a week, but daily for these areas. Even just five minutes will lead you to a cleaner area and less potential pests.
If you struggle with pests, then your solution could be easier than you realize. Consult a professional at your local Lowe's or other home improvement store. The Pest Inspection staff can recommend a pesticide or other product that you can use to get rid of your pests.
If you have ants, look for boric acid. Boric acid, sometimes listed as orthoboric acid, is the most effective pesticide for ants. In addition, many of the baits containing this are safe for use around pets and children, although you should always carefully read all safety labels to be sure.
Sometimes calling a professional exterminator is a necessity. While many do it yourself, remedies work wonderfully, infestations can reach beyond the control of your average house owner. While it may be more expensive to call in a professional or service, it is definitely worth it to effectively rid your home of pests.
Now that you are equipped with some valuable information regarding eliminating pests from the home, you are ready to go to war. Start using the tips learned here and soon you will have your healthy, happy home back once again. Bookmark these tips so you can have them handy if the pests should return.