For many people pest control includes three strategies, which include prevention, exclusion, and eradication. The most important strategy for home owners may be prevention, and they must be able to control a pest infestation before it grows out of their control, and practice these methods on a regular basis to prevent pest control visits from the professionals. In general, pest control requires, storing, mixing, and applying chemicals that are harmful to humans, and it may be best for most people to use non-chemical preventive measures. Home owners can use pest monitoring techniques to track pest populations, biological control methods to limit populations, and chemicals when needed. However, many of these activities may be too labor-intensive for the regular person, so there are some measures that will are not labor-intensive, and should only be performed every once in a while. The proper pest control strategy can shift a person’s approach from eradication to prevention. 

A pest infestation can be avoided by first improving sanitation inside and outside of the home. All areas outside of the home should be kept clean; all porches, sidewalks, and hidden areas should be swept, as well as cleared of all dead and discarded plant material. Lids should be left on outside trash cans, as pests will search for material to eat in the trash cans, and if pests are found, they will be contained within the trash can. All watering cans and other wet materials should be stored on shelves to prevent them from being placed on the floor where pests thrive. There are many pests that love wet environments, and often live under wet materials, so proper storage will prevent the pests’ attraction to a home. Trays under houseplants should also be checked regularly and kept dry. Plant debris, yellowing leaves, and weeds should be removed from all areas outside of the home, especially near any entryways.

 It is common for insects to enter the home through ground level windows and doors, so to prevent an invasion home owners should seal windows, screens, doors, voids, and cracks. Simple weather stripping, or caulk can be used to seal these entries for insects, thus reducing the need for pest control. Sealing off entryways and hiding places, such are baseboards and underneath cabinets can prevent pests from entering the home, and eventually drive them away. Repairing some things around the home, may also help to prevent a pest invasion. Fixing leaky plumbing can prevent an infestation, because many insects are attracted to this source of water, and by cutting them off the home owner can greatly reduce and prevent a pest population. Food and food scraps should also be sealed tightly, and pet food and water should never be left overnight; garbage should also be regularly removed from the home.

Once these preventive measures are completed, bait stations can be installed around the home to eliminate any pests that may try to enter the home. Baits are effective, and can be used with a low risk of exposure to pesticide, and should be placed out of reach of children and family pets. Home owners may also be able to find information on other low-risk pesticides from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Web Site. There are also barrier devices that can be used to prevent a pest invasion. Some barrier devices allow sealing around utility penetration, such as pipes and conduits. Barrier boots are also available, which are sealed right onto a foundation slab to prevent pests from slipping through those spaces formed between a foundation slab and utility penetration. A pest infestation can cause many problems for home owners, so it is best for those owners to take preventive measures, and to ensure that their home is secure against invasions. Preventing a pest infestation can save a home owner time, money, and emotional hardship, while making them sleep better at night knowing that no pests are running lurking in the corners of their homes.

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