Why pest control matters more than most homeowners think
Most people think about pest control only after something runs across the kitchen floor. By then the problem has usually been building for a while.
Pest control matters because pests affect three things you care about. They can make people sick, they can damage the house itself, and small problems get more expensive the longer they wait. The good news is that most of the work is prevention, and much of it you can do yourself.
Pests can affect your family's health
Some pests carry germs. Others leave behind droppings and debris that bother people with allergies or asthma.
The EPA lists cockroach and other pest droppings and body parts as asthma triggers, and notes that cockroach allergens likely play a significant role in asthma in many urban areas. You can read its guidance on the EPA asthma triggers page.
Rodents are another concern. Their urine and droppings can spread disease, and cleaning them up the wrong way can make it worse. The CDC says not to sweep or vacuum rodent droppings, because that can put germs into the air. Its step-by-step cleanup guide covers gloves, airing out the room and wetting the mess with disinfectant first.
Ticks and mosquitoes can also spread illness. If you or someone in your home gets sick after a bite, contact a doctor.
Some pests damage the house itself
A few pests do more than annoy you. They chew, tunnel and nest in the parts of your home you rarely see.
- Termites eat wood from the inside, and the damage often stays hidden behind walls and under floors.
- Carpenter ants hollow out damp or rotting wood to build nests. They live in many parts of the country and cause the most trouble in the northern states and the Pacific Northwest.
- Mice and rats gnaw on insulation, stored boxes and wiring.
- Squirrels and raccoons tear into attic vents, soffits and roof edges to get inside.
None of this happens overnight. That is what makes it easy to miss. A homeowner may not notice termite damage until a floor feels soft or a door frame starts to sag.
Small problems grow when you wait
A pest problem rarely stays the same size. Mice breed quickly. Cockroaches hide in cracks and multiply out of sight. A wasp nest the size of a golf ball in spring can be much larger by late summer.
The longer a problem goes, the more work it takes to fix. That usually means more visits, more repairs and more cleanup. Catching it early is almost always cheaper and simpler than catching it late.
What you can do this week
You don't need special tools to lower your risk. Start with these steps.
- Walk the outside of your house and look for gaps around pipes, cables, vents and the bottom of doors.
- Seal small holes with steel wool and caulk, and fix torn window screens.
- Store food, including pet food and birdseed, in sealed containers.
- Take out the trash often and keep outdoor bins closed.
- Fix leaky faucets and pipes, and run a fan in damp bathrooms and basements.
- Move firewood, mulch and leaf piles away from the foundation.
- Trim shrubs and tree limbs so they don't touch the house.
The EPA recommends these same basics before reaching for any pesticide. Its advice comes down to taking away food, water and shelter, and blocking the ways in.
If you do use a pesticide, read the label first and follow it exactly. The label is the law for how that product can be used. Some products are restricted and may only be applied by licensed professionals.
When it's time to call a professional
Some problems are beyond a weekend fix. Call a licensed pest control company if you see any of these.
- Signs of termites, such as mud tubes on the foundation or winged insects swarming indoors
- Droppings, gnaw marks or noises in the walls that keep coming back after you've trapped
- Bed bugs, which are hard to clear without professional treatment
- Wildlife in the attic or chimney
- A large stinging insect nest near a door, play area or walkway
A good company will inspect first and explain what it found before it recommends a treatment. Ask what pest they think it is, how they plan to treat it, what you need to do to prepare, and whether the work comes with a follow-up visit or a guarantee. Ask to see their state license, too.
How to find a company you can trust
The best way to judge a pest control company is to hear from people who have used it. That is why BugControlReviews.com exists. We publish moderated reviews from customers so you can compare companies before you call.
You can browse pest control companies near you and read what other homeowners said about the inspection, the treatment and whether the problem came back. If you want to know how we check reviews before they go live, see how reviews work.
Get a few quotes before you choose. Prices and plans vary, and the cheapest offer is not always the best value. A company that takes time to explain its plan is often a better sign than a low number.
Pests are easier to stop than to remove. A little prevention now, and the right company when you need one, will save you a lot of trouble later.
