Getting the Right Amount of Pest Control Treatments Scheduled
Making sure your home or business is protected against destructive and invasive insects is an ongoing battle. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a one-and-done solution because insects like to move around, and eggs are always hatching. The question becomes not whether you need pest control treatments, but rather how often they are needed.
A number of factors can affect how frequently pest control treatments should be performed. These include your location, seasonal pest activity and even your home’s construction.
Location
Location refers to both the region of the country that you live in and the local environment. States like Alabama, where the weather is warm for a good part of the year, tend to have a more diverse population of bugs. Homes and businesses near wooded areas and water sources also typically require more frequent pest control to keep insects in check.
Rain
It’s happened to many pest control customers. You schedule a pest control treatment and then later that afternoon or the next day it rains. The good news is you won’t need to redo your pest control treatment after a rain shower. Most of the treated areas in and around a property won’t get wet when it rains thanks to overhangs and eaves. There are also some lawn insecticides that are actually activated by water.
Seasonal Activity
Insects have seasonal cycles of activity based on when they are mating, what the weather is like and when food sources are available. Many bugs are most active in the spring and summer when they come out of “hibernation” or come back after migrating to a warmer climate. During this time, it’s highly recommended to get on a regular monthly treatment plan. Early fall is another time when pest activity increases. When the weather cools off more bugs start looking for a way inside your warm home.
Insect Infestation
Of course, if your home becomes infested with a specific insect, pest control will be needed to get the problem handled ASAP. One-off treatments can be done at that time to address a certain problem, which is often the case if there is a mosquito ortermite infestation.
Pesticides
The type of pesticide used can also influence the frequency of pest control treatments for common problems. Some offer reliable coverage for a month, while others last up to two months, etc.
Type of Pests
Some pests are just more difficult to get rid of and prevent. It can be a factor of how they hide, how often they lay eggs, their hardiness or sheer number. Cockroaches and ants are two good examples of pests that require regular treatment to keep infestations under control.
Your Home or Building
Newer construction that is tightly built (i.e. very few gaps) typically needs fewer treatments because fewer bugs are able to get inside. Older homes that aren’t as tightly constructed and have settled give bugs more ways to get inside. That’s why it’s important for property owners to weatherize in the fall and spring.
So How Often Should You Schedule Pest Control Treatments?
Monthly treatments are going to give you the best protection no matter where you live and what the weather is like. However, during the winter months when activity is low and some bugs have succumbed to the cold, you can usually get away with bi-monthly treatments and still reap the preventative benefits. At the bare minimum, our pest extermination experts at Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. suggest that residents of Alabama schedule quarterly treatments. This will ensure you’re covered throughout every season!
When in doubt, contact a local pest control expert. They can do an in-home inspection to figure out an optimum schedule for your property based on its current condition and the local climate.
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/home-pest-control/getting-the-right-amount-of-pest-control-treatments-scheduled/