At some point, nearly every homeowner will experience issues with vermin, but not all of them warrant a call to the exterminator. Read pest extermination tips according to montreal exterminator mathieu gendreau. In dealing with such critters on your own, it is best to consider the environmental factors that enable them to live comfortably.

Pest extermination

Rats avoid fresh mint leaves

Apart from cockroaches, rats can be a homeowner’s biggest headache. While rat poison is readily available at most hardware stores, those with children or pets should be wary of the powerful toxins used in such products. Mint leaves act as a natural rodent repellent, and are safe and non-toxic. The fresher the leaves, the better, so it may be beneficial to grow several mint plants around the foundation of the home to block off entry points. Mint-scented trash bags are also available to prevent rats and raccoons from looting for table scraps.

Wasp nests should be removed at night

In dealing with stinging insects, it is best to avoid their active hours. Most wasps are diurnal, so any attempt to remove a nest is best performed after sunset. Using spray insecticides is the safest way to do this, but should only be done in well-ventilated areas and away from food or pet bowls. As a rule, it is best to cover as much skin as possible to reduce the risk of being stung. Do not attempt to remove the entire nest at once. Instead, spray the nest from a few feet away, stop to check for activity from a safe distance, and repeat. When insect activity seems to have ceased, the nest can be safely removed.

Plastic wrap can trap fruit flies

Clogged sinks often result in fruit fly infestations that can last several weeks if unchecked. A simple way to check your drain for flies is to remove standing water and place household plastic wrap over the drain, securing it in place with weights or adhesive.

Hairspray acts as a substitute for spray insecticide

If you find your home swarmed by flying insects and are without insecticide, you may use hair spray or perfume to curb the problem. Cover any cookware as you do so, and be sure to stay away from open flames, as aerosol sprays are highly flammable. As always, when spraying makes sure the area is well-ventilated by opening a window or door.

Standing water should be eliminated

Insects are most comfortable in damp and dark environments. For this reason, high-risk areas like sinks, crawlspaces, and cupboards should be checked regularly to ensure that they are clean and dry. If you recycle, you should also rinse out containers that may contain traces of sugar, like aluminum soda cans and plastic juice cartons.…