Dealing with a pest infestation can be challenging in various ways. You need to consider factors such as product limitations, resistance, and environmental management - and taking all these into account, most people conclude that they need help to find the best solution for the problem.
With that being said, there are things you can do to help make sure you eliminate that pest in the most efficient manner possible.
By identifying the pest you’re dealing with, you can gain valuable insights into the infestation and select the most appropriate course of action for resolving the problem.
In short, you need to know what kind of pest you've got to uncover the most effective methods of dealing with it, whether that’s pest-proofing, non-toxic treatments, or fumigation.
Because pests are typically quite shy, you may know you have a problem, but not be able to see the cause of it. That means you might need to search for other hints.
The use of droppings to help narrow down an identification can be very helpful. For example, the droppings of a mouse are typically 5 millimetres in length, whereas rat droppings are more like 10 millimetres in length. However, both are pointed in shape at either end.
If you find droppings that look to be about 5 mm in length, you will still have to figure out what type of mouse it is - it could be a field or a house mouse. However, you have at least narrowed down your search by eliminating some possibilities.
Look for signs of hidden food. It’s by no means certain you’ll find it, but if you do locate a stash of food that’s been cached away, the likelihood is that you’ve got a field mouse on your hands.Like rats and grey squirrels, field mice will hoard food for later consumption, during the colder months of the year.
So if you find the presence of mouse droppings and a store of food in a garage or other outbuilding, that’s a good indicator of the presence of field mice.
You might discover food that has been stored in bait boxes that have been placed outside. It's crucial to determine what is storing this food because it could be either field mice or rats, each of which need different types of treatment. Call in the experts if you’re having problems working out what pest is causing you trouble.
You must first determine the underlying cause of a problem before successfully solving it and preventing reinfestation. If you don't get rid of the problem's source, no amount or type of treatment will stop the further invasion of unwanted insects and animals.
In some cases, this may not present much of a challenge; for instance, if you find mice or rats are getting in through a hole in the wall, you only need to get the necessary proofing materials to block up that hole. In other instances, this might be more difficult.
Look around the exterior of any property, though, and you’re likely to spot several potential points of entry, from gaps under doors to air vents and cracks in brickwork, among other possibilities.
It will more than likely be unclear which of these nooks and crannies has allowed pests to enter, so it’s a case of covering all of them with the appropriate materials as soon as you can.
If you’re pest-spotting alone, it’s easy to become overly focused on one area. It’s always worth getting a fresh pair of eyes to look at the problem - and even better if they’ve had an issue with pests in the past, as they may be able to share information on what worked for them.
It’s a good idea to invest as much time as possible on your first pass round the property looking for the source of the problem as this could save you significant time and frustration in the long run.
This will also serve as a baseline for you to track what you’ve discovered and proofed, and then over time, identify the results of the actions you’ve taken. Again, if you’re finding it difficult to work out how the pests are getting in, call out the experts!
Just as important as finding the initial entry point is locating the place where the pest is currently thriving. Knowing where pests have made their home(s) will help you understand the severity of the infestation, as well as what areas need treating.
Again, don’t make the mistake of becoming fixated on a single area without acknowledging the possibility that further infestations may exist on a different part of your property.
When it comes to dealing with house mice, this is an especially important consideration. The territory of a single house mouse only takes up a few square metres of space, so it can be tempting to find that and then stop looking, just treating that area. But it’s perfectly possible that other mice have set up home in other areas, especially in large spaces like warehouses.
To combat an infestation, you must first locate all of the potential hotspots of activity so that the appropriate number of bait points can be placed in the those locations.
Look inside inspection hatches and behind closed doors as long as it is safe to do so. Don't leave any stone unturned in your search. Pest control experts have been known to find rodent nests inside cavity walls or in plant room cupboards that are only opened once a year.
When controlling pests, only an incompetent exterminator will use whatever is at their disposal without regard for formulation, quantity, or even resistance.
When considering the use of rodenticides, for instance, it is essential to have a good understanding of any resistance that may already be present in your region. Because resistance is becoming more of a problem, selecting an active ingredient that will be effective without worsening resistance problems in your area is essential.
It is also essential that the bait is of high quality. You need to take into account the environment in which the bait is placed, because it’s less likely to be eaten by pests if it is wet, mouldy, or dusty. It may surprise you to know that pests have pretty high standards!
In certain environments, it may only take a few hours for bait to lose its appealing flavour.
Good manufacturers use high-quality ingredients to create baits that are as enticing as they possibly can be. Some of them are individually wrapped to prevent deterioration, others are packed in airtight containers with substances included in the mix that prolong the bait’s palatability in damp environments.
When it comes to catching pests, it goes without saying that you can't catch rats with a mouse trap and vice versa. Rats are much larger than mice. You will not only end up with an unsuccessful treatment, but you will almost certainly also cause unnecessary suffering, which is cruel - not to mention against the law.
If you plan on using the same bait boxes or traps more than once, don't forget to clean them thoroughly before each use. This is one of the simple housekeeping tasks that you shouldn't overlook. The standard recommended procedure is to give these a light brushing and then clean them with a dry cloth. It’s not advisable to treat boxes with disinfectant, as this can emit a strong odour that puts rodents off entering them. If in doubt, call an experienced pest control firm.
Reading and following the instructions on product labels is not just a legal requirement but essential for successful pest control.
If a product states that one hundred grams can be applied in each location, you need to know what 100g actually looks like.
This could be as easy as weighing 100 grams of bait on a scale and placing it in a sealed bag so that you have a point of reference. You could also bring a measuring jug with you, fill it with the quantity of bait you need, and mark the jug's lid with a marker pen. This will give you an accurate guide to follow so that you can avoid under and over-baiting, both of which frequently lead to treatment failure.
This is also connected to the bait placement: pesticides used in mouse control are typically placed approximately every metre. When it comes to rat infestations, though, the distance is five metres for heavy infestations and ten metres for light infestations.
Also, keep in mind that the label is extremely important. You may think you know the labels by heart, but given the rate at which product restrictions are updated, it's always a good idea to check labels regularly.
Pests are a problem that every homeowner is likely to face at some point. The key to successful pest control is to be proactive and stay informed. By following the tips in this article, you will be well on your way to keeping your home free of pests. This will help you avoid the problems pests can cause, such as damaging your home and spreading disease.
We hope you've enjoyed this Environ Pest Control London blog on how to get rid of pests. Our goal was to provide you with everything you need to know about how to keep them away. If you want to learn more, check out this blog on How You Can Find Reliable “Pest Control Near Me”.
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If you've been looking for a pest control service in London to help you with your infestation, you've come to the right place. Environ Pest Control London is here to help you get rid of your pests and keep them gone for good.
Let us know what's going on, and we'll be happy to schedule an appointment for our team of experts to come out and give you a free quote on how we can help! To get in touch, call us on 020 3875 8225 or email us [email protected]
Environ Pest Control London is a pest control company that has been providing a quality service for over 20 years. We are dedicated to offering customers our best attention, and we pride ourselves on our ability to handle any situation, from a single rat infestation to an entire building overrun by cockroaches.
We use only environmentally friendly products, so you can rest assured that your home or place of business will be safe and sound after we're done.
Yes. There are many types of pests and many ways to get rid of them. The most important thing is to identify the pest and then choose the appropriate control method.
Some common pests include ants, cockroaches, rodents, spiders, and mosquitoes. You can get rid of them by using traps, bait, repellents, or pesticides. It's important to read the label carefully and follow all safety precautions when using pesticides.
However, if you’re nervous at the prospect of dealing with the issues yourself or if you need to figure out what type of pest you have, it's best to call a professional pest control company. They will be able to identify the pest and recommend the best treatment method.
Of course! No one wants to deal with pests, and it's worth paying to have someone else take care of the problem. Plus, you can rest easy knowing that the job is done right and that your home will be pest-free for the foreseeable future. And at Environ Pest Control London, we only use eco-friendly solutions that will not put your family or pets at risk.
It depends on the type of pest control you're using, as well as the level of infestation. For general pest control, most experts recommend quarterly treatments. However, if you have a serious infestation, you may need to treat it more often. Always consult with a professional before starting any kind of pest control regimen.
After your pest control expert has visited, it's important to keep your home clean and clutter-free. This will help keep any pests from coming back. Make sure you vacuum, sweep regularly, and take out your household rubbish often. If there are any areas in your home where pests could hide (like under the sink or behind the refrigerator), make sure you clean those areas regularly as well.
It varies depending on the size of your home, the type of pest, and the extent of the infestation. Generally speaking, most people will spend between £100 and £300 for a one-time visit from a pest control service. Some services also offer monthly or quarterly contracts that can save you money in the long run. To get an accurate quote, don't hesitate to talk to one of our staff. We can provide a free quotation based on the information you provide.
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