Clean home, but still get regular unwanted visitors? Pests in your home may have nothing to do with your cleaning skills. There are many reasons pests are staying in your home rent-free. What's worse is you may be unaware of where they are hiding. For those reasons, all homeowners should consider regular pest control maintenance.

Why Homeowners Should Have Regular Pest Control Checks

One of the main reasons to have pest control inspections is for your family's health. Rodents and certain pests look for food in unsanitary conditions. They pick up germs and bacteria and spread them throughout your house, potentially causing household members to be sick.

There are a few other reasons. Pests can cause damage to your home. They can eat through installation, chew on wires, and create holes. They can also be costly. Not only do you need to pay for repairs to your home, but for things like contaminated food. The best thing to do is to get rid of the pests. However, what is the best method for you?

Natural or Organic Pest Control

Natural organic pest control refers to different methods that do not use pesticides. Many people prefer this option because of pets and small children. Examples include house cleaning, repairing leaks, and sealing cracks and holes. Introducing natural pests such as ladybugs, praying mantises, and other pollinators to the garden is another option. Essential oils, traps, and sprays are examples of natural pest control.

Chemical Control

If natural methods fail, explore another option. Chemical pesticides could be the next option and are a popular pest control method. Organic chemicals are still chemicals but are not as toxic to humans and pets. Chemical pesticides come in many forms, including sprays, gels, and baits.

Biological Control

The biological method uses living, friendly organisms to control unwelcome pests. There are no chemicals involved. This method is a way to control insects, mites, and small rodents. For example, birds will prey on insects and beetles. Snakes will help to contain the small rodent population, and frogs will enjoy snacking on flies and mosquitoes.

Electronic Control

Thanks to technological advances, electronic methods are now accessible. There are two types of electronic pest control: electromagnetic and ultrasonic. Electromagnetic affects the nervous system of pests such as mice. It does not kill them; it is a repellant. The ultrasonic method produces high-frequency, short wavelengths. It helps to repel various species, including cockroaches, mice and rats, mosquitoes, bedbugs, fleas and ticks, and more.

The Cleaning Method 

To keep pests away or from returning, practice good hygiene. However, this includes inside the home and out. Ants, for example, are not only attracted to spilled juice on the counter, they love to get into an outdoor trash can with no lid. Mice will enjoy making a home in a cool basement or garage, but they like to hide in the outside wood pile.

Pest Control Services 

Hiring a pest control service is another popular choice for pest control. For one, pest control experts can determine what pests are the problem. They can locate where the pests are hiding and explain the different options for pest removal. Pest control experts often have access to professional-grade products, which homeowners can not buy. Pest control experts can make a plan or recommendations to keep the pests from returning.

What Else Can You Do?

Pest control is necessary for keeping a healthy, happy environment. Besides the methods from above, what else can you do? Other methods can eliminate a specific pest or be useful in various situations. For example, repellants are a popular option for keeping mosquitoes and other pests from ruining an outdoor party. Repellants include essential oils and sprays. They will not stop an infestation but can keep guests from getting bitten.

Another option is called trap cropping. Trap cropping refers to planting a specific crop to deter pests from attacking other plants. To protect the vegetable garden, for example, consider using plants that will attract insects to keep the insects from snacking on vegetable plants.

Mechanical devices may help. Hanging bug zappers and electric fly swatters are examples of mechanical devices. A robot or regular vacuum cleaner is a mechanical device. They both are effective in removing unwanted pests from carpets and furniture.

A home free of pests is a clean and happy home. The sign of any insect or bug can upset the balance. There are many pest control options to choose from. Making pest control a regular priority will eliminate worries about harmful pests causing havoc within or around your home.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Magnolia Wildlife Solutions