How to Do Your Own Pest Control Monitoring Just Like the Pros Do

Pests are small, inconspicuous and can hide in the far reaches of your home. Monitors can help you to uncover what kinds of pests may have infested your home and allow you to take a quick action to control them before you have a full blow infestation. Catching a pest problem early on can save you time and money in expensive pest control treatments. Glue boards and trays are an excellent choice to monitor for pests as they are a green choice and are effective at catching pests. Once a pest is caught, you could properly identify the pest using the internet, contact your local extension service or call a pest professional directly. But, can you as a homeowner monitor your own home for pests without the help of a pro? The answer is yes, and we are going to share with you the secret to how you can get those same results that the pros do: 1. Determine which room you would like to monitor. Common areas of the home to monitor include: the attic, basement, any room with moisture like a bathroom or kitchen, garages, sheds or any room or area of your home that you are noticing bugs or rodents in. 2. You will need both insect and rodent glue boards to begin. Select the size and type for the area that you would like to monitor. Things to consider when selecting glue boards and trays: Is the area particularly dusty? If so, then consider one that you can fold into a ‘tunnel’ shape to prevent dust build-up. Accumulating dust will make the glue board less effective. You may also want to consider glue boards that are ‘pre-baited’ to attract mice and insects or those that are ‘heavy duty’ if the area you are trapping in is humid or damp. 3. If you have pets or children, consider them when placing glue boards. When pets and children are present you will want to ensure that the glue boards are only set up in areas where they cannot access them. Important: Remember that if you ever need to dissolve the glue to unstick a person or pet you can use vegetable oil to do so. 4. Place glue boards in corners and flush against walls in areas of the home that you would like to monitor. Pests and rodents typically will travel along the edge of the wall in a dark area. If glue board is in a tunnel shape, ensure that the opening runs parallel to the wall. 5. We suggest placing glue boards approximately every five to ten feet in areas that permit such frequent placement. Some areas to consider are: under sinks, under cabinets and behind appliances in the kitchen, in crawl spaces, the attic or garage. 6. Once glue boards are placed you simply need to check them frequently for pests. Pay close attention to the placement of boards and how that might help you determine how or where pests are entering the home. 7. Remember to replace the glue boards often depending on how dusty or dirty the glue boards become, when they lose their stickiness or are full of pests. Place more glue boards in areas where you are detecting more pests. By monitoring your home for pests you are well on your way to a healthier living environment for you and your family.