How might you be able to safely and effectively solve your pest problems? The key is to be willing to ask questions. Learning all about the pests you have and the options that are available to control specific pests is the first step in the right direction.

Continue to read to find out the steps you can take to safely control pests in your home.Dealing with pest control

Do Try Pest Prevention

  1. Remove sources of food, water, and shelter.
  2. Store your food in sealed plastic or glass containers in respective storage places. Garbage containing good scraps should be placed in tightly covered trash cans and should be removed regularly from the home.
  3. Fix leaky plumbing and don't allow water to accumulate in the home. Don't collect water in trays or buckets under your house, near plants, or refrigerators. Don't leave pet food and water out overnight.
  4. Clutter provides places for pests to breed and hide, making it hard to get rid of them. Get rid of things like stacks of newspapers, magazines, or cardboard.
  5. Close off places where pests can enter and hide, i.e. caulk cracks and crevices around cabinets and baseboards, and instead use steel wool to fill spaces around pipes, or cover holes with wire mesh.

Do Safely Use Pesticides

  1. Keep pets and children away from areas where pesticides have been applied.
  2. After pesticides have been used, you can use bait as a first line of chemical defense against insects or rodents.
  3. Pesticides not contained in traps should only be applied to targeting locations, not sprayed over the whole room.
  4. Always read and follow the pesticide label's instructions and safety warnings.
  5. Use ready-to-use products (no mixing needed) whenever possible.
  6. Only apply chemicals approved for use in homes.

More: Common Deal Breakers When Selling

Do Dispose of Leftover Pesticides

  1. Read the label thoroughly to find out how to dispose of the pesticides and the container.
  2. Communities have household hazardous waste collections that will accept unwanted pesticides. Call your waste disposal authority for information about your community.

Don't Use Outdoor Chemicals Indoors

  1. Many chemicals intended for outdoor use are dangerous indoors because they will remain toxic longer inside than they would outdoors.

According to home sales expert Bill Gassett of Maximum Real Estate Exposure, having a pest inspection is crucial in areas with known problems.

"One of the things home sellers should always be cognizant of is a home inspection derailing a transaction. Finding a significant pest problem is like finding mold. Many buyers prefer to avoid it, even if the owner is willing to address it. It leads to the fear of what if. Could there be underlying problems that can't be seen?

If you have an inspection and find evidence of a pest problem, you can take aggressive measures to correct it. Doing so can be the difference between keeping a sale or finding your property back on the market. Given the cost of a pest inspection, it is well worth it for the peace of mind knowing you don't have anything to worry about."

Don't Assume Twice as Much is Better

  1. Always read and follow directions on the labels of pesticides.
  2. Using too much of a pesticide can endanger your family's health.

Don't Transfer Pesticides to Other Containers

  1. Store pesticides in their original containers.
  2. Only mix as much as you are going to use at one time if the pesticide must be mixed with water.
  3. Don't empty pesticide containers to store anything else.

Let the professionals at Coastal Realty Group guide you in finding your next beautiful, pest-free dream home on the Forgotten Coast of Florida today!

Read more: Great Home Protection Tips