Bugs, Pests and Critters, Oh My!
The question everyone is asking is, why are there so many bugs and pests in my home? Not to oversimplify, but the answer is that humid and hot weather will increase bug activity in and around people’s homes, especially in the Chicago area. Ticks, bees, spiders, and mosquitoes seem to be around every corner, on every tree branch, and the battle can feel overwhelming during the next several months. The good news is that expert pest control companies have the tools, resources, experience, and knowledge to help put a barrier around your home and keep pets at bay! Pest control no longer has to be done by homeowners with toxic chemicals that may be harmful to people and pets. Professional pest control companies have access to low-toxicity products and safe methods to get rid of bugs and pests while leaving the homeowner to stay in their home and not be inconvenient at all!
Increasing Activity and Breeding
Warm weather and increasing amounts of moisture in the air leave pests longing for relief, food, and water; insects thrive, and many breed in warm weather, which is another reason people face growing pest problems during the summer months. Bugs want to get out of the heat, too, and your nice, air-conditioned home is a perfect place for them to hide. Pest behaviors indicate that activity increases in warmer weather, so even occasional treatment may not be enough. Some families and businesses choose a pest treatment plan that gets them through the summer and well into the fall months. New eggs, larvae, and full-size adult pests can plague a home, making life miserable inside and out.
In Chicago, DuPage and Cook County residents are pestered by pests like mosquitoes, bees, and ticks. If you have pets, the pests you deal with become even more critical to address. Taking a tick off a pet is something nobody wants to do, and that is if you even find it! Ticks are not something we naturally look for, but they are out there and can carry diseases that can make pets and people sick.
Don’t Attract Pests
When you see ants on your counter, in the trash, or pantry, you need professional help. However, a proactive approach to keeping pests away is not to provide them with an attraction! Cleaning up food and crumbs and fixing spots where moisture is not controlled are ways to reduce the risk of bugs getting inside. They are less likely to come inside if they are not attracted to the outside. Bigfoot Pest Control does perimeter pest control using low-toxicity products so the outdoors can be as pleasant during the summer as your indoor space.
Seal up Entry Points
Surprisingly, people don’t think about pest-proofing their homes until they experience the increased signs of their presence. It is a good idea to start implementing a pre-summer pest plan that addresses cracks and openings that will give pests, flying or crawling, access to get into your home. Doors, windows, vents, siding, crawl spaces, and attics are easy places for pests to enter your home. Once inside, pests multiply and can lead to a full-scale infestation! Dealing with an infestation can be a nightmare, and if this occurs or you suspect you have an infestation of ants, termites, fleas, bed bugs, or any other pest, contact a reputable pest control company like Bigfoot. Bigfoot knows the Chicago area, and the owner not only lives in the Chicago area but is also a certified pest control technician, so he and his team effectively provide the best services in the area at affordable prices. What’s even better? They only use low-toxicity and eco-friendly products, so the carbon footprint doesn’t damage the environment.
Ways to minimize pest entry in addition to a treatment plan are keeping doors and screens closed and fixing rips and tears. Seal even small openings around vents that lead to the outside using caulking or sealant. Crawl spaces should be covered with screening to prevent larger pests from coming in, and roof vents and chimneys should be checked for damage or cracks. Often, pest control companies can do a pest-proofing service if homeowners or renters are not able to do it themselves.
Protect Your Home from Pests
When starting to prepare your outdoor space, move furniture around and move anything that has been dormant, like furniture, boxes, lawn equipment, and barbeques. When things are left for a while, bugs and pests love to make it their home. If you hire a professional pest control company like Bigfoot, they will check all these spaces for you and eliminate existing pests in all life stages. Don’t let summer be a bummer and get ready for busy pest season today. Call Bigfoot for a free inspection and quote – don’t wait; contact them today at (847) 891-8852.