Pests are a leading cause of property damage and crop failure worldwide. According to conservative estimates, approximately 40% of global crop production is lost to invasive pests annually.
Besides accounting for billions in property damage and agricultural loss, most pests are also vectors of deadly diseases.
Some critters spread infections through their venomous bites. For others, contact with their droppings is all it takes to develop life-threatening allergies.
Swift action is critical in dealing effectively with pest infestations. Better yet, you could adopt a more proactive approach by scheduling routine pest control services.
But how often should such inspections be? Read below as we put that fundamental pest control question in perspective.
What Is The Best Time To Schedule Pest Control Services?
There are two possible ways to answer that question.
First, we must consider the ideal frequency with which to undertake pest inspections.
All other factors held constant, it’s best to enlist pest extermination services at least once quarterly. That applies to both commercial and residential pest control.
Quarterly inspections can nip an infestation in the bud. It enables you to identify and exterminate unwelcome critters before they have a chance to overrun your property, preventing the costly implications of treating a full-on infestation.
Some experts also recommend contacting a pest control company at the slightest evidence of pests in your property. However, this generally works for stay-at-home parents with plenty of time at their disposal.
If you’re a busy professional, it may take months to catch a cockroach racing across your kitchen floor or mice scuttling frantically in the basement. And by this time, an infestation would have already taken root.
Is The Three Months Cast In Stone?
Absolutely not!
Quarterly pest control works best for most properties. But as you shall find, several factors will determine the actual inspection frequency.
You may aim for biannual inspections if your property is based in locations that register minimal pest activity annually. Conversely, consider monthly pest control if your home is situated in high-risk areas.
Factors Influencing the Frequency of Pest Control Services
1. Food Availability
Pests are notably drawn to food. That explains their high preference for kitchens, pantries, and garbage cans.
Without following proper food disposal practices, it won’t be long before your property is overrun by these menacing critters.
A good practice is to wipe food spills immediately. Besides, store leftover foods in the refrigerator or high shelves.
Be sure to also seal trash cans tightly to deter outdoor pests like rodents.
2. Water Availability
Food and water often go together as far as pest attractions are concerned.
Most critters will readily hide in moist areas, such as the bathroom, kitchen, and basement.
Larger pests that need to drink often may venture into leaky pipes or clogged drains, further damaging these structures.
3. Type of Pest
Pests aren’t wired similarly. While some are highly attracted to the indoors, others will be just fine in your yard.
Indoor pests are more common in residential properties with unlimited food and water supplies. Meanwhile, outdoor critters will thrive in any poorly-maintained lawn.
In terms of inspection frequency, smaller pests like bed bugs and termites may require more regular check-ups.
Not only can these critters hide in plain sight. They’re also highly prolific, with a full-on infestation often requiring just weeks.
4. High-risk Factors
Dense vegetation is a known pest attraction. If your home is nestled in the woods, you may require more regular pest inspections even if your lawn is well-manicured.
Besides, most pests prefer warm, humid climates. Warm weather and high relative humidity provide the ideal breeding conditions.
Other high-risk factors for pest infestation include;
- Garbage disposal sites
- Seasonal changes, particularly rainy and warmer weather
- Structural vulnerabilities, such as foundational gaps, wall cracks, door gaps, and roof leaks
- Commercial properties with unlimited food sources, such as food warehouses, restaurants, and supermarkets
What Are The Benefits Of Routine Pest Control?
Regular pest control helps with early detection. Professional exterminators will probe common hiding spots depending on the critters in question, flushing them out before they escalate into full-blown infestations.
Early interventions can also minimize property and structural damage. That’s particularly true for highly destructive critters, such as rodents, termites, and carpenter ants.
Moreover, undertaking regular pest control fosters health and safety. It cushions your households from pest-related diseases, such as malaria, Salmonella, and Hantavirus.
Note that, even for critters that don’t spread deadly vectors, contact with their droppings can trigger severe allergic reactions.
There are long-term cost savings to enjoy as well. By treating a minor termite problem, you can avert the costs associated with repairing foundational damage caused by an untreated colony.
The Bottom Line
Pests can leave a trail of destruction in their wake, besides inflicting deadly diseases.
Seeking immediate extermination services isn’t enough. To effectively keep these critters at bay, it’s prudent to schedule regular pest control services.
The conventional wisdom is to undertake quarterly inspections for common pests.
If you live in high-risk areas, such as warm and humid climates, you may require monthly pest management services. The same applies to most commercial properties, particularly food manufacturing plants, restaurants, and warehouses.
Remember to enlist professional services.
A licensed pest control company will undertake extensive inspections and recommend the best treatment method depending on the scale of infestation. Besides, the company will share expert insights on how to keep pests from your home.
Implementing preventive measures is the surest way to avert the costly implications of pest infestations.
