Steps
- Clean affected areas. Pick up newspapers, magazines, cardboard and bottles.
- Store clothing and linens in sealed plastic boxes or bags.
- Vacuum the affected areas using a crevice tool. Thoroughly clean using a HEPA filter type vacuum and then dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag in a sealed plastic bag.
- Wash and rinse affected areas. Use a soap bucket and a rinse bucket to prevent spreading insect eggs, food, and other wastes.
- Clean appliances by unplugging them and sweeping them with a vacuum.
- Shut the pests out by sealing affected areas. Use the appropriate sealing materials based on the type of problem. For example caulk areas or seal with weather stripping.
- Store foodstuffs in sealed containers.
- Place rice and other long-term storage items in the refrigerator.
- Store pet food in a clean, sealed garbage can.
- Store trash in sealed household trash cans.
- Wash dishes, counter tops and tables regularly.
- Vacuum up lose food.
- Use appropriate insecticides following current safety regulations. Contact a pest control company, if you are unsure of how to do use insecticides, or if you choose to seek professional assistance.
- Understand that, sometimes the only effective way, and for long-term management, is to pay for pest control services.
Sources and Citations
- http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/pest/pest-bro-healthy-home.pdf
Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Control Pests. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.