Serving Middlesex County since 1984

Dealing with pests can be one of the most frustrating problems a homeowner will ever face. However, there are many tips you can follow to keep pests from occupying your residence in the first place. If pests are currently causing a problem, which they very well may be if you are reading this, the following advice should help you eradicate them and ensure that they do not return. Remember that rodents and insects are looking for shelter, as well as a steady, reliable supply of water and food. Poison and traps are not your only options for ridding yourself of unwanted visitors. Prevention is key, even if you are already experiencing an infestation.

1. Concord, MA residents must remember to secure all rubbish and water from unwanted pests. Be sure to keep a tight lid on outdoor trash receptacles and have garbage removed from your property on a weekly schedule. Empty your indoor trashcans every day and do not leave food out uncovered. Use the proper containers for bird feeding and don’t feed pets outside, as this will easily attract rodents. Make sure all food cartons are sealed and that dirty dishes are cleaned each night. Also dispose of rotting fruit or vegetables that have fallen from trees or plants on your property and will attract hungry vermin. Remove all sources of standing water, such as containers beneath plants. Repair leaky plumbing and remove unnecessary boxes. Insects nest in wet, warm spots under woodpiles. Beware of clutter and remember that stacked or rotting wood will serve to attract ants and termites, as well as rodents. Keep firewood at least 20 feet away from your residence and 5 inches off the ground.

2. Prevent incoming pests by safely securing their likely points of entry. Check your home for any possible openings that could allow for unnecessary access. Repair all cracks and holes, including windows and doors. Caulking should be applied to windows and weather sealing placed around doors. Screens with holes need to be replaced, repaired or rescreened. Also check to see if roofing shingles are loose or missing. Install chimney caps and wire mesh to halt pests that climb, and prevent nesting locations for rodents. Trim back any tree branches or foliage near the house so that outside visitors are not able to reach the roof or attic. It can also be helpful to plant certain kinds of vegetation around your residence that detracts wildlife. For example, planting mint in your garden is said to keep ants away.

3. Use pest invasion products specifically designed to deter without causing harm. Natural repellants are the most common form of defense against unwelcome pests. These may be purchased in the form of pellets, spray or powder. The natural scent will serve to alert pests that they must not enter the designated area. Decorative garden animals can also be used to deter rodents. In addition, squirrel traps baited with food have been used successfully to humanely relocate squirrels back to their natural habitat. These traps must be strategically placed where pests have been spotted entering the home. For fowl friends, you could install anti-roosting spikes, which prevent birds from nesting on roofs. The spikes are convenient to use and won’t cause harm to the birds. You may also remove pests by means of electromagnetic, ultrasonic and ionic measures. Ultrasonic devices produce sound waves that are displeasing to pests but will not disturb your own pets. Ionic pest control devices charge the air with negative ions that serve to keep rodents away. Electromagnetic devices make use of the wiring inside your walls. Pulses are sent through electrical wiring, creating small vibrations that disturb unwanted pests and hasten their exit.

4. Remember to use pesticides with great care around the perimeter of the residence. Be sure to follow all vital safety precautions when using these products. Do not use pesticides in any area where children may have any access to them. Make certain that all food items are stored safely out of the way. Heed all warning labels or precautions on products if you do indeed resort to chemical pesticides. Be aware that there are also natural forms of pesticides on the market, such as citrus bug repellants and electronic rodent zappers.

Smaller pest problems are sometimes remedied with these DIY techniques, but if you find yourself in over your head with a potentially dangerous pest (for example, rats can carry disease) or a problem that has escalated too far (e.g. termite or carpenter ant invasion), don’t hesitate to contact Colonial Pest. We have years of experience and specific knowledge of pests found in Massachusetts, speedy services, and humane techniques to rid you of a pest predicament.

Call us at 1-800-525-8084 right now for a FREE quote!