According to wikipedia.com, pest control is described as the “regulation or management of a species defined as a pest, a member of the animal kingdom that impacts adversely on human activities. “
Humankind and the animal kingdom have been fighting and continue to fight over the same space on our planet. The net result is that we are taking over the area that originally belonged to the animal kingdom. Therefore, we are both forced to live in the same space. And, sometimes insects, rodents, snakes, and other animals move into human habitation like houses, barns, offices, and factories.
The unfortunate reality is that we cannot live together as these pests can be harmful to us. For example, poisonous snakes, millipedes, and spiders can cause severe reactions, including death, if they bite us. Also, mice infestations can transfer diseases like listeria and salmonellosis through their droppings and urine. Thirdly, insects like carpenter ants eat the cellulose in wood; thus, destroying wooden homes and furniture.
Ways to prevent pest infestations
Preventing reoccurring pest infestations requires a multi-pronged approach. Thus, here are the more important steps (listed in no particular order) that need to be taken concurrently with each other.
Employ a pest control company
A specialist pest control company in Doylestown has both the requisite tools and know-how to deal with pests currently living in your home. They will remove these pests safely, without causing harm to the people living in your home.
Keep living spaces clean
Pests are attracted to dark and dirty spaces. Thus, it is vital to keep food storage and preparation areas clean and tidy. Store foodstuffs like flour and rice in plastic sealable containers to prevent moths like the Flour moth from laying its eggs in these foods.
Wash dirty dishes and wipe down kitchen counters daily to prevent pests like ants from infesting the kitchen and carrying leftover food to their nests.
Vacuum, sweep, and wash floors so that insects are not attracted to the dirt that collects on floors and around household items. Dust under furniture, beds, and surface tops to prevent pests from hiding in the dust.
Seal cracks in walls, floors, and roofs
Walls, floors and even roofs develop cracks as they age. This allows pests, especially, spiders, snakes, and mice to move into warm, or cool, crawl spaces in your home and outbuildings.
Therefore, check all buildings regularly especially at the start of summer and winter to make sure that all open and developing cracks are sealed. It is also worth checking old cracks that have already been sealed as the sealant can develop cracks of its own.
Tidy your yard
Pests, especially venomous snakes and spiders like living in overgrown gardens, wood piles, and general household clutter that has been thrown out into the yard. Therefore, keep the grass short, cut back thick garden beds, and throw away all broken junk that is usually left lying around.
Finally, use a garden waste service to cart away grass cuttings, pruned branches, as well as general garden refuse.