How often should you treat your home for pests?

Pests can be very cunning. Sometimes, you don’t actually see them crawling or sneaking around your home, but eventually, you notice signs that they are somewhere in the room lurking — and possibly waiting for a chance to manoeuvre freely.

Before you know it, parts of your home have been damaged by rodents or termites; you and your family have been exposed to health hazards because of the disease-spreading cockroaches or unsightly webs that have been formed by spiders around your house.

Why get a six-monthly treatment

For general pest control treatments, a six-monthly service is usually advised — but why six-monthly? Isn’t there a one-time treatment to get rid of pests?

If you ask around, exterminators will suggest six-monthly treatments for problem areas. The reason for this is quite simple — most pesticides only last for some months. And by the time the effect of the initial treatment has worn off, eggs might have hatched, resulting in a new generation of pests in your home.

Of course, pest control products will have to be re-applied — once, twice, or more depending on the severity and type of infestation. Your exterminator will know when the pests have been completely eliminated and when it’s time to move on to a preventive pest control method.

And in case you’re still wondering about those one-time pest treatments, yes, they do exist. However, these are only temporary solutions. Their effect can last a month or so; afterwards, your property is once again at risk of nasty infestations. Needless to say, the best way to ensure a pest-free home is by opting for a six-monthly pest control service.

If your property is not infested with any kind of pest, have your home inspected at least once a year. This is to make sure that there are no pests breeding in your house.

Knowing your enemy

You probably always hear about the phrase “keeping enemies close”. When it comes to pests, though, this shouldn’t be the case — you should drive them out.

Australian homes are commonly invaded by cockroaches and spiders. Cockroaches breed rapidly, so when you start seeing one in your home, you can expect a whole lot more hiding in cracks and crevices.

Ensure that these holes are patched up and that every corner in your home is thoroughly cleaned at least once a week. Roaches love damp and dark places, and they sometimes dwell in shelves, boxes, and books. Their main attractant is food so make sure to keep leftovers in the fridge or use containers with tight-fitting lids as storage.

As for spiders, you can keep them out by preventing insects from thriving in your home. Black House Spiders typically prey on insects, and it’s very rare for them to bite humans. They’re not really considered dangerous since they mostly produce cobwebs and attack insects. However, Black House Spiders are known to be the favourite food of the White Tail Spider, a highly venomous species.

If you have Black House Spiders on your property, it’s best to get rid of them as soon as possible. This way, you won’t attract White Tail Spiders into your home.

To DIY or to hire a pro

Pest control isn’t just about purchasing pesticides and spraying them all over your home. There are processes and techniques that are specific to every type of infestation. Professional exterminators can determine the best way of targeting pests and breeding spots. With their expertise, you won’t have to waste time, effort, and money on trial and error.

ServiceSeeking.com.au has a wide array of pest control companies that can help with your pest problem. They can also offer different options like chemical and natural treatments.