1. You should get rid of all food from your pets. Keep food in the fridge or sealed containers. Remove any debris, grease, and crumbs especially from cracks and crevices. Do not leave pet food in open bags or unopened bags in your laundry room or garage. To prevent a pet food infestation, place the pet food bowl into a large shallow pan and fill it with water. The pest’s food source must be eliminated as soon as possible.

2. Remove their water–look out for areas that are prone to water damage, such as the under-sinks, bath/shower areas, hot water heaters and over-irrigating at the exterior perimeter. Air-conditioning units can be re-directed or eliminated to get rid of pest’s water source. Regular cleaning of gutters containing organic matter must be done.

3. You can get rid of them. Inspect the storage areas inside and out. This includes your garage and attic, especially if you are using cardboard storage boxes. As cardboard can serve as a food source and a nursery for pests, plastic is a better choice.

4. Remove branches and trim plants that are too close to the structure. To prevent easy travel from the plant/tree to structure entrance points, keep branches trimmed to 2 feet.

5. Clear out entry points – inspect the exterior of your structure and seal any entry points around pipes, windows, doors, or electrical conduits. A can of foam sealant is quick and easy to use. Weather stripping windows and doors will not only prevent pests from entering your home, but also improve your energy efficiency.

6. If you don’t see results, get rid of all over-the-counter pesticides. Pesticides should be used wisely. You need to understand their effects and how to use them. Learn how to use them and what pests they affect. Pesticide misuse is not only a waste of time, but also a danger to your pets and family. It is crucial to understand how pesticides are used. This includes where they can be used and how often. It is worse to apply too much pesticide than it is to little. Pests will multiply if you apply the wrong products to the right areas.

7. Unlicensed applicators who “do it on the side” are best avoided. The liability is not worth the possible savings. Consumers have no recourse in the event that an applicator is hurt on their property. Are you a victim of misapplication? Worse, you may accidentally apply pesticides that are not visible in your home. To maintain their licenses, a licensed, insured and bonded restaurant pest control provider must meet stringent criteria. This is to protect consumers. Make sure you know your pest control provider and that they are insured and licensed in the state. Check to see if they are members of industry associations and consumer protection organizations like the Better Business Bureau.