How to Use the Homecourt Advantage Against Opportunistic Pests
We tend to think of pests that scurry uninvited and impolitely about our home as impinging on our ecosystem and, so, we resort to all kinds of ways to reassert our authority, restore the balance, stomp on them mercilessly.
However, there is a larger ecosystem to worry about than our humble abode and many of these critters are helping it thrive - not to mention, helping us thrive! Have you heard about biomimetic architecture? Apparently, there are structures being built in Zimbabwe that mimic the self-cooling mounds of African termites and, so, require no air conditioning all year round - which translates to massive write-offs in energy bills.
However, biomimicry is not something that can help soothe the poor homeowner with a termite problem on his hands. Only the best pest control company will, as will the slaying of millions of creepy crawlies nesting inside his/her walls bring about the much craved karmic justice and peaceful sleep. While bootstrapping your way back to the land of Nod may be one’s first thought (after the squeamish cry for divine intervention), stripping away the roaches, rodents, ants or termites from a home is best left to the pest-management professional.
And that’s because, aside from dealing with the problem in an organized, tried-and-tested way, they also take the time to inform you of prevention (or maintenance) methods that will keep the trespassers away for good.
What Do Timeserving Self-Serving Pests Take Advantage Of?
We talked to one such professional, Nathan Freeny, a pest-control operator, or technician if you will, who agreed to give away a few pieces of advice for our readers. Some of these “freebies” you might already know, some will baffle you, yet others will make the pest activity in your home make so much more sense. Speaking from over 25 years’ worth of experience, and with more pest-free houses under his belt than he can count, Nathan humbly assures us that his voice of reason is the same you’d hear from any other well-versed PCO.
1. Some pests are dependent on humans inasmuch as they can’t fly to prey on others - your best bet with Tawny crazy ants, for instance (which are on the rise to the extent that they are displacing the common-or-garden fire ants) is to check for any sign of them when going on trips or moving. They can hitch a ride on anything, from plants to trailers, so be vigilant at all times.
2. Most pests will be attracted to the food you leave out for your domestic animal, as well as flourish when you don’t regularly clean a cat’s litter box and the like. While you’re at it, remove all traces of leftover food from open spaces (don’t stockpile dirty dishes until the sink is filled to the brim).
3. Caveat pet owners! All toxic rodent baits are just as harmful to pets. In 2011, these were banned from being sold freely in retail stores, with good reason. Only pest control professionals should handle them, as they know exactly how to secure them, by encasing them in bait stations and/or placing them out of the reach of domestic animals.
4. Termites are attracted to moisture, as well as wood. While you think you’re playing it safe by hiking your foundation a few inches high off the ground and not keeping any lumber around for them to feast on (including tree stumps in the vicinity of your home) - there is more that can be done. Don’t over-mulch, for one, and clean your gutters regularly. Also, use cross ventilation and keep weeds away from vents, as these can foster termite-friendly humidity.
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