Choosing the Right Products to Rid Your House of Pests
One of the most common problems homeowners have is an infestation of pests. The sheer number of choices available to rid a house of unwanted pests can be daunting, and it can certainly be difficult to begin one's search without a decent understanding of the pests involved and how to eliminate them. In this article, several of the most common questions regarding household pests will be addressed.
- What's the difference say, between products for ants and roaches?
Although in many cases the active ingredients in commercially available pesticides are similar, the primary difference in formulations of pest control supplies when dealing with roaches and ants are based upon the nature of the different pests. For example, ants are far more socially oriented than roaches, and therefore it is necessary to eliminate their entire colony, instead of just a few nests. Thus the active ingredients in ant removal products are designed to act more slowly, so that ants are used against their own colony to take the toxin back to their queen and other cohabitants. For pests such as roaches, there is no larger colony to destroy, so a fast-acting insecticide is preferable. For insects that jump or attach themselves to pets such as fleas, the only effective treatment is a topical spray or cream, applied directly to the affected pet.
- Are there any natural alternatives to chemical insecticides?
Yes, in fact there are several that are quite effective, particularly against crawling, hard-shelled insects such as roaches. The two primary natural pest control supplies used against roaches are boric acid and diatomaceous earth. Both act as a desiccant, drying out and eventually killing any insects that come into contact with the powdered substances. However, the chief advantage of using these products is their complete safety for humans and pets. In fact, both products can be safely ingested, unlike virtually any chemical pesticide.
- Is a pesticide all that's required to remove problem insects?
No, in fact several other steps are usually required both before and after using pest control supplies to ensure the total removal of the insects. The most important thing that can be done both before and after the application of pesticides is to maintain a clean living space, free of food and other attractants that might draw pests in the first place. Once an infestation is gone, it is vital to follow the manufacturers instructions on whatever product was used in regards to reapplication, to prevent the reoccurrence of the pest problem.
- What's the difference say, between products for ants and roaches?
Although in many cases the active ingredients in commercially available pesticides are similar, the primary difference in formulations of pest control supplies when dealing with roaches and ants are based upon the nature of the different pests. For example, ants are far more socially oriented than roaches, and therefore it is necessary to eliminate their entire colony, instead of just a few nests. Thus the active ingredients in ant removal products are designed to act more slowly, so that ants are used against their own colony to take the toxin back to their queen and other cohabitants. For pests such as roaches, there is no larger colony to destroy, so a fast-acting insecticide is preferable. For insects that jump or attach themselves to pets such as fleas, the only effective treatment is a topical spray or cream, applied directly to the affected pet.
- Are there any natural alternatives to chemical insecticides?
Yes, in fact there are several that are quite effective, particularly against crawling, hard-shelled insects such as roaches. The two primary natural pest control supplies used against roaches are boric acid and diatomaceous earth. Both act as a desiccant, drying out and eventually killing any insects that come into contact with the powdered substances. However, the chief advantage of using these products is their complete safety for humans and pets. In fact, both products can be safely ingested, unlike virtually any chemical pesticide.
- Is a pesticide all that's required to remove problem insects?
No, in fact several other steps are usually required both before and after using pest control supplies to ensure the total removal of the insects. The most important thing that can be done both before and after the application of pesticides is to maintain a clean living space, free of food and other attractants that might draw pests in the first place. Once an infestation is gone, it is vital to follow the manufacturers instructions on whatever product was used in regards to reapplication, to prevent the reoccurrence of the pest problem.
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