Pests are not only an annoyance, but they can also cause property damage and even health problems. Some pests are more harmful than others, and controlling them can help prevent problems in the future.
Controlling pests can take many forms, including prevention, suppression, and eradication. The type of control you choose depends on the nature of your problem and your goals.
Prevention
The first step to pest control Toronto is to check for areas where pests can enter your home, such as cracks and crevices around windows and doors. Sealing any tiny openings will keep pests out. Use copper mesh, coarse steel wool, or sheet metal to patch up these openings.
Weatherstripping is another effective way to keep pests out of your home. Replace worn weatherstripping on doors, windows and vents with new, updated versions. This will help reduce drafts and make your home more comfortable to live in during all seasons.
Cleaning
Regularly vacuuming, mopping, and wiping down the interior of your house can also be helpful in pest prevention. It will remove crumbs, dust, and other debris that pests love to feed on.
Keeping your trash in an outdoor container is another good strategy for preventing pests from moving in. It’s hard for them to move into your home if you have a big trash can outside, and it will prevent them from using your trash as a food source.
Trimming trees and shrubs that are close to the foundation of your house will also stop insects from hopping on them and getting into the house. You can also keep your landscaping beds clean and free of weeds that can harbor insect pests.
Trash – The garbage can feels like an all-you-can-eat buffet for pests, so be sure to regularly empty your trash. This is especially important if you have a weekly trash service.
Water – When your yard has standing water, it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. Be sure to remove any pools of water and resolve any leaks that may be causing the problem.
Biological controls
Natural enemies of certain pests can help suppress or eradicate them, depending on the pest. These enemies can include parasites, predators, and pathogens. Some types of biological control can be a more cost-effective option than other methods, as they can help decrease pest populations without harming plants or animals.
The landscape of your yard can affect pest population numbers, and some features of the landscape, such as mountains and large bodies of water, help restrict the spread of certain pests.
Aside from reducing the pests’ food source, these features can prevent them from staying alive long enough to reproduce. Some pests, such as mosquitoes and ants, require constant access to fresh water in order to survive.
When you can’t control pests by eliminating their habitat, it’s time to think about the ways in which you can get rid of them. This will often involve a combination of chemical and biological techniques, such as sterilisation, traps, and sprays.