Pests can invade a library in many different ways. From rodents like mice and rats, to insects like ants, moths and mosquitoes, and even creepy crawlies like spiders and centipedes.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent or reduce pest infestations in your home. These include: Identifying the pest, Sealing entryways, Eliminating food sources and other attractants, Using physical traps and barriers, and implementing Integrated Pest Management. Contact Ben’s Pest Control for professional help.
Pests come in many forms, and can cause a variety of issues. Some damage wood and fabric; others bite or sting; and still others destroy or infest food. It is vital to identify pests so that the correct control measures can be taken. Incorrect identification can lead to unnecessary use of toxic chemicals.
Proper identification of a pest can provide important information such as its life cycle, environmental and harborage conditions and other biological clues that are helpful in determining how to manage the pest without the use of harmful chemicals. In addition, a pest may look different as it goes through its life cycle; for example, an immature beetle or caterpillar looks very different than the adult form of that species.
To accurately identify a pest, you can consult several online resources. You can also visit your local library or co-op for printed references such as field guides and handbooks. It is also a good idea to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling and applying any pest control products, including those that are organic. Basic PPE includes long-sleeved shirts and pants, closed toe footwear, face protection and nonabsorbent gloves.
Our online identification tool is a valuable resource for narrowing down potential vertebrate pests using signs such as typical damage, tracks and droppings. It can be accessed by clicking on the images below. If you have a specimen that needs to be identified, contact the Plant Pest Laboratory for assistance. Submission sheets are available, and specimens can be preserved in alcohol or shipped in safe, dry vials made of propylene glycol.
Keep in mind that some types of damage to plants are not caused by living organisms, but rather by nonliving factors such as weather extremes, air pollutants, road salt, inadequate or excessive fertilization and improper watering. These factors are often mistaken for pest damage, and can be controlled by using IPM techniques instead of relying on chemical controls.
Pest Prevention
Pests are annoying at the very least, and some can cause damage or present health risks. Some can even transmit diseases to people, animals, and plants.
There are many ways to prevent pest infestations from occurring. This includes eliminating food and water sources that attract them, removing shelter, and blocking access to areas where they can live and nest.
Preventative measures may also include removing weeds before they have a chance to spread, using natural predators to control some pest species, and making sure that plants are well-watered and fed so that they are not as attractive to insects and rodents.
When a pest problem does occur, it is important to assess the situation and environmental conditions to understand how and why the pests are there. This helps to determine whether an action threshold has been, or is likely to be, reached and helps to select the best biological, physical, or chemical control methods.
Inspecting regularly for signs of pests is a key part of this process. This can help to identify the pest, as well as identifying entry points into buildings or other structures and influences that make a site more attractive to them. It can also help to identify the presence of beneficial insects that can help to control pests.
Crawling or walking pests include rodents, such as rats and mice; arachnoids, such as spiders; and insects, such as millipedes, centipedes, cockroaches, and ants. These pests can cause damage by chewing or burrowing into materials, contaminate food through droppings, and can carry disease-causing bacteria and viruses.
Flying pests can cause similar problems and include moths, flies, bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, mosquitoes, and termite swarmers. These pests can sting or bite people and animal, as well as transmit disease-causing microorganisms, such as the West Nile Virus and the Zika virus.
It is also important to take measures to minimize the use of pesticides, as they can be harmful to people, other animals, and plants, as well as to the environment. This can be done by assessing the environment, applying pesticides only when necessary, and selecting low-hazard chemicals when they are used. It is also important to follow product labels, purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), and continually increase knowledge through continuing education, in order to limit human and environmental exposure.
Pest Control Treatments
After identifying the pests, a pest control specialist can recommend the best treatment plan to eradicate them. The technician will consider factors like the size of the property, the extent of the infestation, and the specific pests involved to craft a custom treatment strategy. This helps ensure that the solution is effective and safe for your home or business.
Prior to the treatment, it’s important to prepare the property by removing attractants and clearing areas. This allows the technician to focus on problem spots, such as under furniture or in hard-to-reach places like behind a cabinet. It’s also important to make sure that pets and children are away from the property for the duration of the treatment.
Some treatments, such as a fumigation, involve filling an infested space with a gas that kills the pests on contact. This type of treatment can be dangerous for people and animals, so it’s critical to clear spaces and relocate pets and children to a safe area for the duration of the fumigation.
During the treatment, it’s important to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like a mask, goggles, and gloves when moving through treated areas. Also, wait the recommended time before cleaning to avoid wiping away the chemicals. Always ask your pest control professional if there are any special instructions or warnings for the products they use.
You may notice increased pest sightings immediately after the treatment, but this is usually a normal response to a disruption in their habitat. It can also take time for the pesticide to reach the insects and cause them to die, so it’s important to be patient.
There are a number of preventive measures you can implement to help keep pests out of your property, both inside and out. For example, sealing cracks and gaps in the exterior can keep pests from entering, and regularly trimming bushes and keeping garbage cans away from the building can deter pests from seeking food and shelter within your property. Educating yourself on the pests you’re dealing with can also be helpful, as this will allow you to understand their behavior and life cycle and figure out if there are any nonchemical methods for controlling them.
Pest Inspection
Pest inspections can help property managers uncover infestations or conditions that attract pests, allowing them to take preventive action. Inspecting a building regularly helps ensure that pests do not develop into serious problems, such as structural damage or health risks for tenants. Detailed pest inspection checklists can also help to forecast future issues, providing an opportunity for property managers to take proactive measures before problems develop.
A typical pest control inspection will begin outside the premises, examining common entry points such as gaps around doors and windows. It will then move inside, assessing basements, attics, and living spaces for signs of infestation. The inspector will also examine outdoor areas, such as sheds and garages, for potential rodent nesting and entry points.
The inspector will then provide a report, outlining their findings. If any issues are identified, the report will recommend treatment options. The report will also highlight any conditions that may be attracting pests, such as moisture. It is important to note that pest-related damage often falls on the shoulders of the property owner, so even if no pests are detected during an inspection, it is crucial to continue with routine maintenance. This includes regular cleaning, proper food storage, sealing entry points, and managing moisture.
In addition to ensuring that the building is free of pests, regular pest control inspections can also increase the value of the property. This is because prospective buyers will be able to feel confident that the property is not infested with pests, and can therefore negotiate a price more closely in line with market values.
Preparing for a pest control inspection is relatively simple. The most important thing is to make sure that the inspector has unobstructed access to the areas they need to inspect. This means clearing away any clutter or furniture, especially in basements, attics, and crawl spaces. It is also a good idea to trim back any overgrown vegetation, as this can reduce the ability of pests to hide and enter the home. Lastly, it is important to check that the gutters and drains are clear, as standing water can encourage pests.