Pest Control
It may be unpleasant to discover that you have an unwanted houseguest, but it’s certainly not uncommon. One little bug scurrying by on your kitchen floor doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got a serious problem. If it looks like an entire multilegged family is moving in, though, you might have an infestation brewing. With the help of the right Web sites, you can protect your home from the damage that insects and other pests can cause.
Expand All Guide SectionsIdentifying Common Pests
For many people, any rodent or insect qualifies as a pest. But the truth is that some critters really are beneficial to our lawns and gardens. The following Web sites help you identify several common insects and small animals, and determine if you’ve got a pest situation that needs attention.
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- Different regions can have different pest problems so you may need to consult with an expert who is familiar with the pests in your area. Local exterminators or your local Cooperative Extension office might be able to help. To contact your office, use the directory provided by the United States Department of Agriculture.
- Your state pest control association may also be able to offer advice on potential pest problems. To find your state’s association, use the directory from the Association of Pest Control Operators.
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The University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program
identifies vertebrate and invertebrate pests you may have in your home. Learn how to identify the pests, and how to manage them. The site also discusses plants and trees, as well as the pests that may do them harm.
The National Pest Management Association
(NPMA) is the national trade association of pest control professionals. Take a look at the “Pest Guide” to get up to speed on the various insects, rodents and birds that can pose problems. If you’re not sure whether your pests pose a real problem, you can “pester” a professional with your questions.
The Fund for Animals Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Web site presents “The Gardener’s Best Friends,” an article that explains what bugs and animals are helpful to your lawn and garden, and how a little planning with your garden planting can keep the harmful pests away.
Reviewing Pest Control Options
There are natural and chemical methods for eliminating pests from your home. If you’re concerned about removing pests without putting the health of your family or pets at risk, natural pest control products might be a good option. When the pest problem is more serious, however (such as a termite infestation), you’ll likely find that stronger chemicals are necessary. Use the Web sites in this section to review pest control options and find the best one for you.
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- To learn more about the active ingredients in U.S. pesticide products, visit the PAN (Pesticide Action Network, North America) Pesticides Database. Search for chemical information by name or category; categories are divided by use (for example, chemicals for wood pests, insect pests and animal pests).
- The book “Dead Snails Leave No Trails” comes highly recommended by many gardeners. Learn how to naturally control pests in your garden and around your home.
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For information on chemical pest control …
The “Citizen’s Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety,”
from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), explains many aspects of pest control and management. Read this thorough PDF download to learn how to use chemical pesticides and nonchemical pesticides, how to read pesticide labels and how to use the right quantities of product.
Ohio State University Extension
offers several tips for finding, choosing and using safe pesticides at your home. Some information is specific to Ohio residents, but most will be applicable to anyone.
For information on natural pest control …
Eartheasy
presents “Natural Insect Pest Control,” an article that introduces several ways to keep pests out of your home by using common things that may surprise you (think catnip and cucumber). Explanations of some insect traps are also provided.
BobVila.com
has a collection of 15 pest control articles that cover insect and animal pests. Start with “Pest Management” on natural means to eliminate pests from your home.
Handling a Pest Problem
It’s possible to take care of an indoor or outdoor pest problem yourself, but a little information goes a long way to ensure that you’re safely using potentially dangerous chemicals. Visit the Web sites in this section to learn how to properly use the chemicals and control methods, and keep your family and home safe.
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- If you’re searching for a list of plants that can protect your home from some pests, try typing “beneficial plants” and your state of residence into your favorite search engine.
- Be prepared to admit that you might not be able to handle all infestation problems yourself. Some issues, such as termites or fleas, will require professional assistance because the health and safety of your home and family may be at risk. Check the “Finding an Exterminator” section of this guide to locate a professional.
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For indoor pest management help …
DoItYourself.com
has indoor pest control advice, with articles about preventing and eliminating various types of bug and larvae infestations, as well as advice on dealing with mice.
The National Park Service
provides a directory of animal pests like bats and mice that can find their way indoors. Learn how to detect when you have an infestation and how to address the problem. Some of the tips here are for animal pests that (hopefully) won’t find their way indoors, such as bears or coyotes.
For outdoor pest management help …
The Environmental Protection Agency
explains various ways to manage pests in your lawn and garden. Learn about Integrated Pest Management (IPM), “Green Scaping” and more.
GuardenGuides.com
presents “How to Safely Trap an Animal Pest,” which explains the use of both lethal and nonlethal pest traps.
Finding an Exterminator
Some infestations are hard to eliminate without professional assistance. If you’ve got bugs or other pests in or around your home, it may be time to call in an exterminator. The Web sites in this section can show you how to find and evaluate exterminators in your area.
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- When choosing an exterminator, ask to see the company’s license or credentials. Check for a state pest management association by typing your state name and “pest management association” into a search engine.
- If you’re unsure about companies you find online, ask around. It’s likely that someone you know has used a good (or bad) exterminator in the past. Another way to check a company’s background is to search for a “Reliability Report” on the Better Business Bureau’s Web site.
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To determine whether you need an exterminator …
Articles.DirectoryM.com
helps you decide if you have a pest problem that’s too large to handle with store-bought pesticides. Learn when to call an exterminator, what exterminators do and find questions to ask an exterminator.
For finding and choosing an exterminator …
SmartMoney
lists “l0 Things Your Exterminator Won’t Tell You” when you request help with a pest problem. Taking these into account can help you when it comes time to make a call to an exterminator.
The National Pest Management Association, Inc.
has tips on choosing a professional exterminator. Use the “Find a Pro” search tool on the upper right to find an exterminator near you.
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