When we first moved into our house, there were a lot of spiders so we started having a pest control company come and spray for spiders/bugs quarterly. However I REALLY don't like the idea of people spraying pesticides in the house since we have kids and animals.
Are there any other options for pest control? Or do most people not have it done? We just moved to Michigan from Texas where it was pretty much a necessity so I'm not sure of the protocol up here.
We never had it done at our house in GA, and I don't have it here in CA. We have almost no bug problems here in CA (just rats, big ones), so I can't really say how hard it would be to deal with insects elsewhere. I especially wouldn't spray for spiders; I like spiders and they are really good for the garden, so we just catch and release out into the backyard. I might feel differently if we had a black widow problem or something, but we don't. I have a book called "Green Clean" that has tons of borax and other non-toxic DIY suggestions for each type of pest. You might be able to find something similar at the library.
First, I should note we are FL, so I'm no expert on pest control up north. However, I find we get by with our quarterly service doing only exterior spraying. Our fee includes coming inside as needed, but I usually only ask that they come into the house once a year. I find the exterior pest control keeps most of the bugs at bay. Our exterminator will also point out if he sees an entry point/crack that we should seal, so they can't get in.
Post by mrs.jacinthe on Apr 5, 2013 12:01:06 GMT -5
Are we talking a spider infestation or a normal amount? Are they poisonous - or just your typical house/basement spiders? That would change my response.
DH usually sprays twice a year when we notice the bugs getting bad near the front/back doors. He just does the outside and that does the trick. I think he uses the ortho home defense stuff.
We do have an annual termite spray outside by pros, but that's b/c of our area/climate.
Are we talking a spider infestation or a normal amount? Are they poisonous - or just your typical house/basement spiders? That would change my response.
Nope, just a normal amount of spiders. Non-poisonous. There were a lot more when we moved in which is why we originally opted for the pest control company.
Our pest control company offers non toxic options for inside the house. Outside they use the traditional sprays and pellets. I went with this company specifically because they offer non toxic options. I don't want those chemicals in my house either! Maybe Google 'green pest control' for your area and see what comes up.
Post by EloiseWeenie on Apr 5, 2013 21:20:12 GMT -5
Our new house has Taexx, which is inside the walls. It's a new build, and it was installed while being built (before we bought it). I have no idea if they can put it in existing homes. I was excited when I found out about this because I hate hate hate spiders and am extremely allergic to their bites.
I recently bought some off the Internet a few here recommended and we are only going to spray outside and around the high windows in the unfinished basement.
Our pest control company offers non toxic options for inside the house. Outside they use the traditional sprays and pellets. I went with this company specifically because they offer non toxic options. I don't want those chemicals in my house either! Maybe Google 'green pest control' for your area and see what comes up.
Our pest control company (local business) offers something similar. I'm in PA and we live out in the country with a wooded lot so we tend to get a ton of spiders in and on the house, plus a variety of other fairly harmless bugs. We typically get the inside and outside sprayed twice a year.
My vote is for the vacuum cleaner as needed, then. Spiders are good for your house environment - eating pests and such.
This is my vote. We have a lot of black widows, I've only seen them outside and in the garage but we spray the garage and outdoor doors every 6 months. We are thinking about getting our yard treated so that we don't have to worry about our toes if we don't have shoes on. If it wasn't for the black widows and occasional brown recluse I wouldn't worry about them.