Practicing Safe Pest Control

At Accurate Pest Control, we understand that there are some out there that want to take care of the issue themselves. We respect your decision but want to make sure you are practicing pest control safely and responsibly. When it comes to using pesticides as a means of pest control, it is important for you to understand that there could be harmful side effects if you are not careful. Therefore, it is important that you understand the dangers you face if you decide to take pest control into your own hands. So before you start firing on all cylinders, allow us to walk you through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Dos and Don’ts of pest control.

Avoid Inviting Pests In

The safest and most effective pesticide is prevention. Taking preventative steps will ensure you and your family remain healthy and free from the toxicity of pesticides. To prevent pests from attacking your home make sure too:

• Remove leftover food or water and remove any potential shelter.
• Ensure all food is sealed away in either plastic or glass containers.
  • Any scrapes should be disposed of and placed inside a covered trash can.
• Remove garbage from your home regularly
• Fix leaks and remove any still water.
  • Do not let water build in plant trays or under the refrigerator
• Remove clutter from your home.
  • Clutter provides a shelter and breeding place for pests and makes finding pests more difficult. Ensure that old newspapers, magazines, and cardboard are picked up and recycled.
• Close of entry points and hiding spots
  • Ensure cracks and holes are caulked and closed off. Close off the area around pipes by using steel wool. Use wire mesh as an extra means of protection.
• Do your research
  • Research the pest you are dealing with and find the most effective way to deal with them
• Inspect packages
  • Before you bring any package into the house, inspect it. Make sure it does not have any holes or pests crawling around it.

Proper Use of Pesticides

• Close off treated areas
  • Make sure children and pets cannot enter these areas
• Baits are low risk but high reward
  • Baits are a good defense and offer low health risks
  • Ensure they are kept out of reach of both children and pets
• Pesticides found in mechanical sprayers should be used in focused locations
  • Do not spray the entire room
• Foggers should be a last resort
  • Handle with extreme care
• Always follow the directions on how to use each pesticide
  • Assume no two pesticides are the same
• Avoid products that require mixing
• Only use chemicals that have been approved for indoors
• Learn proper disposal of pesticides
  • The label on the back of pesticides will mention the best way of disposal

Improper Use of Pesticides

• Do not use outdoor pesticides indoors
  • Pesticides listed for use outdoors have a much higher toxicity level than ones listed for indoors.
• Use the recommended amount
  • Using more than is needed can endanger your family’s health
• Do not use other containers to store the chemicals
  • Use the original containers the pesticides came in
  • Do not reuse empty pesticide containers

If you feel nervous about addressing this situation alone, or have any questions on how to better prepare yourself, give us a call! We will take care of your pest issue professionally, where your safety and the removal of the pests are our number one concerns! If you would like to find out more about Accurate Pest Control, visit our About Us page!