Pest Control

Pests may turn up at home in basements, bathrooms, kitchens and around doorframes and windows. Sometimes pests will travel inside on bags or cartons from the grocery store or other materials you bring inside. Common pests include cockroaches, mice, ants, fleas and spiders.

To minimize the risk of pest infestations consider the following tips:

Inside:

  • Keep all kitchen areas clean and free from clutter
  • Regularly sweep and vacuum floors, especially under furniture and in dining areas
  • Keep garbage stored in sealed containers, and keep the surrounding areas clean
  • Keep basements and attics well ventilated and dry
  • Inspect boxes, grocery bags and other packages thoroughly

Outside:

  • Seal up holes outside your home, including areas where utility pipes enter your house
  • Keep gutters and vents free of debris
  • Keep tree branches and shrubbery trimmed and off the house
  • Store firewood at least 20 feet from the house and five inches off the ground

If you are experiencing a problem with pest infestation, you may wish to address the problem on your own by using a pesticide. Every pesticide marketed today must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which offers these tips for their safe use:

  • Always read the label before buying or using pesticides.
  • Keep pesticides away from food and dishes.
  • Keep children and pets away from pesticides.
  • Do not smoke while spraying.
  • Avoid inhalation of pesticides.
  • Never spray outdoors on a windy day.
  • If you mix pesticides, do it carefully to avoid splashing.
  • Be careful of breaks or spills of pesticide containers.
  • If you spill pesticides on your skin or clothing, wash with soap and water and change clothes immediately.
  • If someone swallows pesticide, check the label for first aid treatment and immediately call poison control or emergency services.

Pesticides that require special clothing or equipment should only be used by trained, experienced applicators. Also, if you are uncomfortable at anytime using or keeping pesticide products nearby, do NOT buy them.

Professional Services

If you prefer to work with a professional pest elimination company, consider the following suggestions:

  • Get bids from several companies to compare prices for fees.
  • Contact the Better Business Bureau for company reliability reports.
  • Always deal with a licensed exterminator. Contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to confirm if a firm is licensed, or contact the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a reliable pest control firm if you are questioning a particular pesticide.
  • Find out if the company has liability insurance to cover any damage to your home.
  • If a guarantee is given, know what it covers.
  • Be sure you fully understand the measures the company will take to exterminate the pests in your home. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the treatment, and how it will affect you, your children, your house, or your lawn.
  • Don't expect a treatment to last indefinitely.

For more information, contact:

Better Business Bureau
www.bbb.org

New York State Attorney General
(800) 771-7755
www.oag.state.ny.us

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Solid & Hazardous Materials
(518) 402-8788
www.dec.state.ny.us

Environmental Protection Agency - Regional Office
(212) 637-3000
www.epa.gov/region02/

National Pesticide Information Center
(800) 858-7378
www.npic.orst.edu/gen.htm

National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
(703) 352-6762
www.pestworld.org

This report is general in nature and is not intended as a reliability report on any company, service or product.