(ARA) – Spring is here, and we can’t wait to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones. Because when nature springs back to life, so do cockroaches, grubs, and a myriad of ants including fire ants and carpenter ants. If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t want to share your house and yard with damaging insects, but you may also worry about using pest control products around your house.

A recent survey of homeowners, commissioned by the Professional Pest Management Alliance, reflects these concerns. According to the survey, “green service” is the second-most important consideration — after pest elimination — when choosing a pest control provider. Forty-four percent of respondents defined the term “green” as meaning “not harmful to humans or pets.” Homeowners today want the best of both worlds — fast and long-lasting pest elimination as well as more comfort in their use around the house.

Thankfully, there are now options that allow you to control pests in ways that are both effective and gentle on the environment.

Get the facts
If pests are damaging your lawn or entering your home — despite your best efforts at prevention — don’t take matters into your own hands. It’s easy to misidentify the insect or misuse a pest control product. Homemade concoctions and off-the-shelf products, when used incorrectly, could have unintended harmful consequences.

Call a local lawn-care or pest-control company and have them do the hard work. They’ll assess the pest, conduct thorough inspections and apply the necessary pest control products. By understanding insects and how to treat them, professionals can actually minimize pesticide usage. These pros can share their knowledge of environmentally-friendly products and techniques, saving you time, money and damage to your home and lawn over the long term.

One great resource is www.callyourpro.com — it provides information on the behavior and biology of the most common household and outdoor pests. Just enter your ZIP code and you’ll instantly have a list of local professionals at your fingertips that are controlling pests with environmentally-friendly products.

Ask the right questions
It’s reassuring to know that the Environmental Protection Agency registers all professional pesticides to the same high regulatory standard, and also encourages the development of “reduced-risk” pesticides that meet a set of criteria that may include a lower mammalian toxicity profile, reduced toxicity to birds, fish and plants, and/or a lower potential for groundwater contamination (among other criteria).

Professionals also have access to products that, due to their low toxicity, do not require first aid language on their label. This means that no first aid intervention is required if a person or pet accidentally has skin exposure or ingests the pesticide.

Chances are that your local pest control and lawn care professionals are using the latest pest control products from DuPont. DuPont is a leading company pioneering the creation of high-performing pesticides specially engineered to be environmentally friendly.

It’s also a good idea to make sure any individual handling pesticides has the Required Pesticide Applicator License. Ask for referrals from customers that live in your area. And if a guarantee is given, know what it covers, how long it lasts, and what kind of continuing control, prevention and management are necessary.

Prevent future infestations
You have successfully rid your home and lawn of these pests. Now what? There are a number of ways to prevent future infestations. Outside, caulk cracks and crevices in the foundation where pests may be getting in. Make sure lids are sealed on trash containers and that the area is clean from spills. Clear any unnecessary boxes sitting around, as they are a big breeding ground for roaches. And be sure to get rid of sources that may be collecting water, such as containers or tires. Standing water is a favorite breeding ground for many insects, and in hot weather, will attract insects looking for a drink.

And don’t forget about the inside of your home: Seal crevices in your food storage areas and store sweets, including sugar, cereals and syrup, in sealed containers. Also, since many insects are looking for moisture, fix leaky pipes and don’t overwater indoor plants.

By implementing these preventative measures, and using the services of a professional who specializes in environmentally-friendly pest control, you will create a pest-free environment for outdoor entertaining and family fun.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Related posts:

1. Fighting On Two Fronts With Pest Control Lawn Care Acquisitions
2. Choose right, use right: Tips for safe and effective use of pesticides and fertilizers
3. Take Steps in Spring to Combat Fire Ants
4. Counting On All Green Lawn Care For Great Looking Landscaping
5. Organic Lawn Care Helps Ensure A Better Environment And A Healthier You

Tags: carpenter ants, cockroaches, environmentally-friendly pest control, grubs, lawn pests, pest-free environment

Give us your rating of this article below!

Trackback URI | Comments RSS