Combating pests in the Lowcountry is a fact of life, and most of us aren’t really interested in co-existing with pesky critters; we just want them gone! There are options to consider when it comes to ridding your space (both indoors and outdoors) of the crawling, creepy creatures that no one wants around.
First, decide which method you’ll use: natural or chemical. Both can resolve pest issues to varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the scale of the infestation and the type of pest. Some methods are easily do-it-yourself projects, but some are best left to the professionals.
NATURAL PEST CONTROL MEASURES
Hygienic pest control
A clean home is key. Pests seek out places with an abundant food source, as well as a safe breeding environment. To make your home inhospitable for creepy crawlies and rodents, use these tips
• Clean all surfaces after eating.
• Clean table, countertops, and cooking surfaces and put all scraps in the trash or garbage disposal.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes out anywhere.
• Stick to a regular cleaning schedule, including hard-to-reach areas, such as behind large kitchen appliances.
• Store food in tightly sealed containers.
• Keep bathrooms clean.
• Install window screens.
• Seal any holes/cracks in internal and external walls.
Ignoring basic home hygiene will render any other types of pest control ineffective, and the pests will soon be back in greater numbers.
Although a clean home will deter many pests, some of the more stubborn variety will laugh in the face of your cleanliness. This is where you must rely on the strength of other pest control.
Biological pest control
Biological control methods can also be seen as natural solutions as they do not rely on the use of pesticides or other chemicals; they simply take advantage of the hierarchy within nature.
• Natural predators. People have relied on natural predators to control pest populations since the fourth century B.C., demonstrating its effectiveness. This tactic is commonly used by gardeners seeking to control a pest population without the use of chemicals. One of the most well-known and widely used applications of this method is the use of ladybugs to control, or remove, aphid infestations.
• Microorganisms. Another popular natural method used in outdoor areas and gardens is the placement of beneficial microorganisms. Unlike the use of natural predators, using microorganisms to control pests is a preemptive method. When a helpful microorganism is in a symbiotic relationship with a plant, it will actively protect the plant by deterring pests and destroying harmful bacteria and fungi.
PHYSICAL PEST CONTROL METHODS
Physical pest control methods rely on the trapping, killing, and removal of both insect and rodent pests.
• Elimination of breeding grounds. When looking for a place to infest, pests prefer to hide in a place that provides food and a safe breeding ground. Eliminating one or both factors will greatly increase your chances of removing pests. The best way, as already mentioned, is to keep your home clean, dry, and warm. Eliminating dirty, dark, damp areas will severely limit the housing options for pests in your home.
• Poison bait. A popular and highly effective method, there are many pest-specific poisons to choose from. Pest control poison normally comes in one of two states: granules or gels. Regardless of the type, poisoned bait is placed in areas that show signs of pest activity and will either be eaten directly or carried back to the nest. If you have young children or pets, make sure they cannot access any area where the poison is in use. Some commercial poisons can lead to serious health issues if ingested.
• Trap planting. Trap planting is a method of pest control which involves the planting of a decoy plant to which the pests are more attracted and can be efficient if used to keep pests away from a personal vegetable garden or a specific variety of flowerbed.
• Traps. Using physical traps to control pests is possibly the most recognizable pest control measure for larger pests. They range in complexity (from simple fly paper to more complex baited traps), and they are mostly used to deal with rodents, birds, other small animals, and insects. Trap placement should be in areas that show signs of pest activity. You must check the traps regularly to remove any creature that has been caught, as well as to replace or reset the used traps.
CHEMICAL PEST CONTROL METHODS
The most effective and widely used types of pest control are chemical pesticides to tackle rodent and insect infestations. Regardless of which type of pesticide is being used, if self-applying, read and follow the instructions carefully since most are highly toxic. If you are hiring a professional to apply the chemicals, be sure to adhere to any follow-up measures they recommend.
• Insecticides. Insecticides kill insects such as ants, cockroaches, and flies. Most commercially available insecticides are either spray- or granule-based, and while both will kill insects, they each have a particular area of expertise. Granulated insecticides are excellent for dealing with pests, such as ants and any other pests that build nests in hard-to-reach areas or actively scavenge for food. The granules are mistaken as food and are carried back into the nest or are just eaten directly. The poison is usually fast-acting, so most insects die shortly after ingesting it. Sprays are best used to fight flying and biting pests such as fleas. Most insects will die within minutes of encountering an insecticide spray, but some stubborn bugs may require multiple treatments before giving up.
• Rodenticides. Rodenticides are a highly lethal type of pesticide, more commonly known as rat poison. They are much stronger than the other pesticides due to the caution that rodents show when they encounter a suspicious food source. Due to this need for increased lethality, rodenticides are effective against all mammals when ingested. This includes rats, cats, dogs, and other scavengers. Since rat poison is so toxic and poses a threat to other animals, read and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer to keep your pets and children safe.
• Fogging. Fogging pest control is another alternative against adult flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, moths, or flying ants. This method is applied by a special ULV fogging machine through the infested areas. It’s called ULV (ultra-low volume) as it spreads a small amount of the insecticides. The advantage of fogging is that it’s considered to be environmentally friendly, it’s odorless, and it doesn’t leave any residues that are difficult to clean.
• Heat treatment. A chemical-free option which has been gaining popularity in the field of pest control, the heat method is used for fleas, bed bugs, and other insects. During a heat treatment service, the infested area will be gradually heated to a temperature of 130-140 degrees F. The rising temperature will eliminate the creepy crawlies at every stage of development (eggs, larvae, and adults). This is a great option if you have children or pets and are not keen on the idea of scattering poison throughout your home.
• Fumigation. Fumigation is the nuclear option when it comes to eliminating pests. During a fumigation service, your home will be sealed for 48-72 hours while a large amount of strong pesticide is sprayed into your home. This process will not only kill adult pests but will also kill any insect eggs or larvae that are present. Since the pesticide in use is so potent, you cannot remain in your home during the fumigation and must air the property for at least one day before returning.
Once you’ve embarked upon a method of pest control, observe all safety precautions and continue with any follow-up treatment and a regular schedule to ensure your home is bug- and pest-free for the duration.
