Exterminator Sherman Oaks technician, or exterminator, rids homes and businesses of unwanted insects and rodents. Their responsibilities include inspecting an environment, developing treatment plans, and applying chemicals or traps to eliminate pests.
When many people think of an exterminator, they picture a professional in uniform with a spray can. However, today’s exterminators are educated professionals focusing on environmentally conscious ways to vanish pests.
Pest identification is a vital first step in developing an integrated pest management plan. Identifying the pests causing damage helps determine appropriate control methods and reduces the likelihood of applying an unintended treatment. This is especially important in cases where a specific weed, insect, rodent, or microbe can be difficult to distinguish from another organism.
The process of identifying pests involves studying the morphological characteristics of the organism, observing damage caused by the pest, and looking for other evidence of the pest’s presence, such as litter and excrement. Insects, for example, can look similar as they go through their life cycles and may be confused with non-pest insects, beneficial organisms, or even each other. This is why taking a close-up photograph of the pest is important to be sure of the species.
Once the identity of a pest is determined, becoming familiar with the biology and life cycle of that particular pest can help in determining how best to control it. Knowing its life cycle, behavior and preferred food sources can allow a pest management specialist to discover the weaknesses of the pest and find more effective ways to manage it.
A pest’s behavior and life cycle can also be affected by the environment in which it lives. Whether it is temperature, humidity or moisture that influences the pest’s activity, understanding these factors can help in the development of preventative controls.
For a quick, accurate and free pest identification service, check out MMPC’s free Pest ID Center. Using a photo or physical specimen of the mystery pest, a team of entomologists will provide identification results and suggestions for treatment. The Pest ID Center is open from 8:30am to 6:00pm, Monday-Friday.
Treatment
A pest infestation is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. A pest control specialist can provide effective treatment to remove unwanted pests and prevent them from returning to your home. They can also offer advice on preventive measures, including landscaping tactics, cleaning strategies and vigilantly looking for signs of pests.
Pests not only ruin the aesthetics of your property, but they can also cause health problems. Mosquitoes, for example, spread diseases such as encephalitis, dengue fever and malaria. Fleas and ticks can also pose serious health risks by spreading typhus and Lyme disease. Pests can also create unsanitary conditions by contaminating food, water and other objects. Insects and rodents can leave behind feces, which can cause diseases such as hepatitis and tuberculosis.
Professional pest exterminators have the training and expertise to quickly and efficiently identify the type of ant and develop targeted treatment methods for eradication. These treatments are often more effective than DIY solutions and can provide long-lasting results.
For instance, a professional can spray orange oil on termite infestations and kill them instantly with d-limonene, an organic compound that is safe for the environment. They can also inject beneficial nematodes into termite tunnels, which are microscopic worms that consume and kill the pests.
A professional can also treat for cockroaches, eliminating the colony and stopping future infestations. They can use natural cockroach repellents that are safe for your family and pets, or they can use a combination of baits, traps and insecticides to eliminate the problem.
Similarly, professional tick exterminators have the training and expertise to effectively treat for and eradicate ticks from your property. They can apply natural deterrents and tick control products to your property to prevent ticks from entering your home and using specialized tools to remove any that have already made their way inside.
When you hire a professional pest control company, they will thoroughly inspect your property to identify entryways, exit points and potential problem areas. You may need to clear out furniture and other items in your house before the appointment to give the technician room to work. It’s also important to ask the agency how long they recommend staying out of your house after a treatment. This will help to protect you from the effects of the chemicals and allow them to do their job more effectively.
Prevention
Many pest control companies offer preventive services that address pests before they become a problem. These services can include recurring inspections, monthly or quarterly maintenance treatments and preventive yard work to keep pests from coming around. These services can help you save money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and extermination fees.
When you call a company to schedule an initial visit, the representative will ask for several pieces of information. These may include the square footage of your home, the number of rooms and how many bathrooms it has, as well as the size of your yard. This can influence the cost of your treatment, as it will dictate how much treatment is required to create a barrier against pests.
To prepare for the visit, you should clear out areas that have been affected by pests. This might mean sweeping and mopping hard surfaces, removing clutter from corners and walls and cleaning out pet food containers. This will give the exterminator better access to the affected areas and eliminate places that pests hide and nest.