The best way to prevent pests is to exclude them from the building. Exclusion programs focus on core areas and take into consideration a structure’s unique features and purpose. Pest Control Management Professionals can provide advice on excluding pests from your home or commercial establishment. This is often the best method of pest control for both residences and businesses, because it minimizes the need for chemical treatments and improves the success of a pest control service.

Home Pest Prevention

Mice and Rats can enter through an opening as small as ¼ of an inch, and ants can enter through very small cracks and crevices. Utility lines such as gas, plumbing, electric, cable and air conditioning lines are all areas of concern. Sill plates, exterior doors without thresholds, and doors that do not seal well are also common entry points.  Random holes left open during construction are great entry points because they are often undetected, giving a pest unhindered access. Rooves with openings around chimneys or vents are another common entry point. Using a stainless-steel mesh is helpful for excluding pests from these small openings. Sealing around these areas prevents pest infestations by excluding them from the building altogether. Cleaning and maintaining gutters is also vital for preventing pests, because they provide a water source for them.

Commercial Pest Control

Commercial buildings have similar access points to residential properties, and then some. Customer entry doors, roll-up and overhead doors left open are excellent pest entry points. So are roof top air conditioning units  Installing door sweeps and using stainless steel mesh prevents rodents from entering the structure. Doors that are constantly opened and closed may come out of alignment or expand and contract with temperature change, creating gaps and entry points for pests.

Landscaping

Landscaping may also contribute to pest infestations. Avoid using plants that attract and harbor pests and those that will accumulate trash. This will help to prevent pest infestations such as rodents. Using barriers of non-decaying materials is also helpful.

Successful Pest Control

Your involvement can make or break a pest prevention plan. In commercial establishments, making sure dock doors are closed is important. Proper trash disposal will eliminate food supply. Keep vegetation from touching the building or structure. Don’t let firewood or other items touch the building, as they provide a nice shelter for pests.

Your Pest Control Professional Can Help

Your Pest Control Professional can help develop a plan for pest exclusion after completing an inspection of the building. Sometimes, your pest professional can provide exclusion services. In some cases, he may recommend specialized help from a structural professional, such as a plumber or roofer. At American Extermination Plus, Inc, we provide inspections and consultations free of charge.

You found a bedbug, now what?

PCT (Pest Control Technology), a magazine for pest control professionals put out an article titled  “You Found One Bed Bug -Now What?” back in January of 2017″. Pest Control Professionals offer advice and suggestions to help determine whether you have an infestation or an isolated bed bug sighting. The information is directed at professionals; however, this information is useful to every one. Finding bedbugs can send us into a frenzy, but does one bed bug indicate an infestation? Or could it be an isolated sighting?

Is it an infestation?

Once a bedbug is found, the location needs to be thoroughly inspected. The location the bug was spotted may be an indicator. Bedbugs will infest areas where they are likely to find steady meals.  One bed bug found in a school, on public transportation, or in the doctor’s waiting room may have come in on a backpack or piece of clothing- and will likely leave the same way. This probably isn’t an area of an infestation, because the bedbug’s goal of finding a steady food source will not be met. Without a regular food source, an infestation can not be established.

What if you find a small number of bugs at home?

In your home, an inspector can identify places bed bugs are most likely to hide. They will also determine the severity and activity level of a possible infestation- and they may even be able to locate the source of your infestation. They may check luggage, furniture, sleeping bags, or articles of clothing to help determine the extent of a possible infestation. If only a small number of bedbugs are found,  preventative treatments may be recommended- such as bedbug monitors, mattress encasements, reducing clutter, and frequent laundering of clothes and bedding. Identifying a source of infestation in apartments and condominiums may be more difficult, as the source could be any of your surrounding neighbors. Because of this, the apartment manager must be involved to allow thorough inspection of the entire building and not just one unit.

So, what do you suggest?

• “Take a deep Breath”: a small number of bed bugs is not always a sign a large infestation is present!
• Schools, public transportation, and office buildings are more prone to “transient” bed bug sightings.
• DO get a comprehensive inspection to determine the size of an infestation and treatment options.
• Your Pest Professional’s response should be measured, and focus on solutions appropriate to the level of the problem.

What can you do?

Prevention is the key to stopping the spread of a bed bug infestation. Bedbugs are notorious hitchhikers, and can catch a ride on anyone.  We receive many calls concerning bedbugs, and they are a growing concern in the Pacific Northwest. Our page “http://americanextermination.com/bed-bugs-how-to-get-rid-of-them” has more information on bedbugs and steps you can take to prevent or resolve an infestation.

Do you have a bedbug infestation?

At AEPI, we offer free inspections, consultations, and quotes!

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