First Florida Termite and Pest Control

Archive for March 3rd, 2010

Prevention Is The Key. Don’t let pests get out of control.

- One of the best ways to keep roaches out is to keep your home clean! Be sure to clean up any spills right away. Wash your dishes regularly and do not leave pet food out over night. Roaches will make a snack out of just about anything (even trash!) -Roaches love water! It is one of the key factors of their survival. Be sure to drain water out of the sink and tub, and wipe down any tables or counters that water has spilled on. Make sure to pick up any drinks that you may have on the table or in your bedroom because of the condensation from the drink will attract the roaches. Also make sure to fix any leaky faucets or drains. – Knowing where roaches like to hide is the best way to prevent them! Always check boxes and bags for roaches before bringing them inside. Throw away any stacks of cardboard boxes or papers.

-Preventing cockroach infestations when moving is critical, especially if you are leaving an area that already has a current infestation. The last thing  you want to do is bring cockroaches with you. Check all boxes that you pack for any signs of cockroaches, as well as furniture. If you see any cockroaches, spray them immediately. Spraying your new home or apartment before you move in is also a good idea. After you have unpacked make sure you throw out any cardboard boxes or papers , because that is where they like to hide & it is food for them. Finally, you should contact a professional to deal with any cockroach infestation that occurs. A pest control professional has access to pesticides that are stronger than what you can purchase over the counter.

-For palmetto bugs, if there is any drain in your home that you are not using (dishwasher, shower, toilet, etc.) make sure you run water through them at least once every two months. Palmetto bugs will come in through any drain that doesn’t have water in it. If you are going to be away for awhile you might want to put caps on all drains & put plastic wrap over the toilets to make sure that the palmetto bugs can not get through your drains & into your home.

Good Night – Don’t Let The Bed Bugs Bite-

-Wash all of your bedding in hot water on a regular basis. This will kill most of the bed bugs and their eggs. The heat from the dryer will also help as well.

-Be sure to vacuum all your floors, mattresses, and baseboards regularly. Bed bugs like to hide in very small cracks and crevices, so this will help get them out.

-If you are staying at a hotel be sure to place your suitcase on a table, chair, or suitcase stand so it will be harder for bed bugs to crawl in.

-Before buying used furniture, inspect it for bed bugs, especially if you are purchasing a mattress or  bed frames.

-Check your bed! Catching bed bugs early makes treatment much easier and less expensive.

-There are mattress encasements that you can put on your mattress to help prevent & keep the bed bugs out.