Sadly, many homeowners and even businesses in Oklahoma City are struggling with pests. The spike in demand for exterminator services is proof of this and possible reasons for this growing concern include the following:
- Urban Development – Leading to the destruction of these pests’ natural habitat
- Weather Conditions, Seasonal Changes, & Climate Variability
- Little or no Control Measures
While some of the above-listed can be prevented, it is not the same for others. As a result, it is about ensuring that you are not on the receiving end of pest infestation. Furthermore, it gets to a point when exterminator services need to be engaged, rather than self-handling the situation. By the way, things do not have to spiral out of control before these service providers are engaged in Oklahoma City.
Overall, this article discusses some tips for effective pest control in Oklahoma City. So, read on to stay informed.
How to Achieve Effective Pest Control in Oklahoma City
First things first, you need to know that effective pest control is a huge possibility even in a place like Oklahoma City. This is provided you are willing to do the needful. Against this backdrop, some valuable tips for effectively avoiding or even resolving this issue include:
Sealing Entry Points
These unwanted mini-predators do not emerge from nowhere. Firstly, you need to identify how they get in and then put a stop to their intrusion by sealing their entry points. Depending on the kind of pest that you are having issues with, some common entry points include cracks, holes, and gaps in doors, windows, and walls.
You also need to find out the best ways to seal up these entry points. Possibilities include weather-stripping, use of mesh screens, and caulking.
Keeping a Clean & Clutter-Free Space
An unclean space is more likely to attract these unwanted mini-predators. This is because pests thrive in spaces where there are food scraps and grease, and that are generally cluttered. So, ensure that your space is well taken care of in this regard. Some tips to this effect include:
- Regular Vacuuming and Mopping of Floors
- Cleaning of Kitchen Surfaces after Meal Preparation & Kitchen Cleanup
- Proper Storage of Food – For example, the use of airtight containers when required
- Proper and Timely Disposal of Trash
Adhering to the above-listed goes a long way in keeping your space clean, as well as clutter-free. For more on the relationship between pest infestation and unclean & cluttered spaces, you can see: https://blogs.k-state.edu/.
Addressing Moisture Issues
Most household pests need three things to thrive: food access, suitable shelter, and moisture. So, having your home in a state where these three necessities are unavailable for them will do you a lot of good in your bid to effectively avoid them.
The moisture side of things often seems to be one of the most overlooked aspects of preventing pest troubles. To this end, some recommendations include ensuring that:
- Drains are clear & very functional
- Outdoor containers, gutters, and bird baths are regularly emptied and periodically cleaned
- Yards do not have water pools, especially after it rains
- Pipes, faucets, and roofs are promptly fixed when the need arises
- Dehumidifiers/fans are used in moisture-prone areas—such as crawl spaces and basements
By the way, addressing moisture concerns is more than just ensuring that there are no water pools. It is also about ensuring that humidity levels are ideal for avoiding pest troubles as some of the recommendations above have proven.
Taking Care of Outdoor Vegetation
While the indoors require a lot of attention in the spirit of avoiding pest troubles, the outdoors also needs to be addressed. This is as overgrown trees, shrubs, and bushes can make it possible for various pests to thrive and even find their way into your indoor space.
Against this backdrop, there are at least two recommendations. The first is to always have plants and trees well-trimmed. This is especially true for those that are close to your indoor space, like those near your walls.
The second is to secure your foundation from termite infestation by keeping mulch far from its reach. The distance should be at least one foot away.
Using Pest Deterrent
There is the possibility of using several pest deterrents specially designed to trap certain pests. Some of these products come in the form of baits, sprays, and traps.
However, the use of these products is supposed to be a secondary strategy rather than your main strategy. This is because they do not address the root causes of pest infestation but instead reduce the number of pests that you have to deal with.
Furthermore, safety is of utmost importance while using especially some of these deterrents. This is because some of them are capable of putting humans in harm’s way. Mouse traps are a prime example and you can click here for more information on how they can put humans in harm’s way.
Conclusion
Besides playing your part in avoiding or resolving a pest infestation, do not undermine the importance of pest control professionals. On this note, you are advised to have your space periodically inspected by these professionals. These experts will then fill you in on the next line of action and even on how to do a great job of avoiding pest problems.