Pest control services help protect your home and family from invasive insects, rodents, and other irritants. While DIY solutions may seem like a good way to save money, they can cost you more in the long run.
Integrated pest management (IPM) programs combine common-sense practices with pest control methods to manage pest damage more efficiently and safely.
Pre-Service Inspection
When you hire a pest control service to help you with a pest problem, they will often conduct a pre-service inspection. This is a crucial part of the process and is important for both the customer and the service provider.
In this procedure, the technician will examine the interior and exterior of your home for signs of pest infestation. This includes examining any areas where pests commonly enter your home, such as doorways, windows, pipes, crawl spaces and attics.
The technician will also check for any areas of high moisture and humidity that could make it easier for a pest to come in. They may use thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters or Termatrac microwave radar detection units to detect any problems.
Once they have inspected your property, the technicians will then go over their findings with you. This discussion will help you decide whether to hire the company or not. It’s also a good time for you to get any questions answered.
Interior Inspection
When you hire pest control services, they will inspect the interior of your home. They will look for termite damage, wood rot, or other telltale signs of pest activity that may not be obvious to the average homeowner.
During an inspection, a technician will examine every accessible area of the home. This includes baseboards, walls, windows, crawl spaces, doors, insides of cabinets and closets, and more.
Once they’ve inspected everything, the inspector will write up a report detailing their findings. This report can help you make an informed decision about whether to purchase the home or not.
If you’re buying a home, it’s important to know what the pest inspection reports reveal so you can decide whether to fix any issues or reduce your offer price. Getting a pest inspection can be a small expense that gives you peace of mind before closing on a property. And if you’re selling your home, you can use the report as an important part of your sales pitch to potential buyers.
Exterior Inspection
As the name suggests, an exterior inspection examines the exterior of a property. It is usually done by a representative of pest control services.
A home inspector will walk the entire perimeter of a structure to determine where and how pests can enter. They will also check for conducive conditions that could attract pests.
The inspector will use a flashlight to locate entry points. Other common tools include a telescope mirror, moisture meter and probing tool.
Once the inspector is finished, they will analyze their findings and create a customized treatment plan. This can include excluding points of entry, eliminating conducive conditions and a personalized pest control management plan for ongoing protection.
This inspection can be important to a homeowner because it can help them identify any potential issues with their home that may lead to insurance claims or increased premiums. It can also save them money and help them avoid unnecessary repair bills.
Treatment
Pests can be a major health and safety concern for your family and pets. They spread diseases, cause damage to your home and contaminate food.
When you call for pest control services, your technician will be able to recommend the best treatment for your needs. The treatment may involve a mixture of chemical and non-chemical methods.
After the specialist has inspected the interior and exterior of your home, they will begin their treatment. They will first look for specific problem areas in your home, such as cockroaches in the kitchen or mice in the attic.
Next, the technician will move out into your yard or other areas around your property that could be a problem in the future. They will be looking for any cracks and holes, and they will also check for any other potential entry points for pests.