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Keeping Your Home Free of Pests and Harmful Pesticides
Steps to a Healthy Home Series
Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.
The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Are You Bugged by Pests?
Cockroaches, flies, rats, mice Dust mites Fleas and ticks Spiders Ants Mosquitoes
Keeping Your Home Free of Pests
Easier to prevent pest problems than to control infestations once they have become established.
Pests need water, food, and habitat to flourish inside a home.
Pest Problems Food
Water
Harborage
Why Do You Have Pests?
Broken, loose, or torn screens Gaps or holes in home, especially around
plumbing Dirty floors, counters, and dishes Spilled foods Storing garbage where pests can reach Roof or plumbing leaks Storing food in containers without lids
Keeping Your Home Free of Pests
Sanitation – remove what attracts pests Exclusion – keep pests out of house Elimination of hiding places – get rid of
places where they can hide Extermination – kill the pests
Sanitation
Regularly clean floors, windowsills, and other surfaces
Wipe up spills and crumbs right away Eat at the table or at least in the kitchen Clean up dirty dishes right after eating Clean and disinfect bathroom surfaces Keep a tight lid on trash cans and empty often Store food and pet food in sealed containers
Exclusion
Seal cracks and crevices around pipes & electrical wiring
Check bags and boxes for pests before bringing them inside
Keep window screens in good repair Keep pets either inside or outside Place screen wire over vents and
other points where pests could enter
Elimination of Hiding Places
Get rid of clutter Store clothing in chests or covered plastic
containers Wash bedding weekly Dispose of old newspapers, magazines,
and plastic bags
Extermination - Control
Control can be with non-chemical methods
Control can be with chemical methods
Control can be with pesticides
Non-chemical Control
Trapping devices such as fly paper, mouse traps, or roach prisons
Use a vacuum cleaner to help control pests such as fleas, moths, or beetles and to remove food sources
Chemical Control
Baits are safe and effective Use gel formulations along cracks & crevices Insecticide sprays may be used in cracks &
crevices and along baseboards
Control with Pesticides
Buy only pesticides labeled for the pest and area you are treating
Read & follow all label instructions; use only the amount listed – more is not better
Keep children & pets out of treated area until the product is dry
Never apply pesticides to food Protect your skin, eyes, and lungs while using
pesticides Wash hands with soap and water
Storing and Disposing of Pesticides
Store where children and pets cannot reach them
Store only in the container they came in Follow the label directions for disposal Never reuse a pesticide container Never pour a pesticide down a drain or toilet
Tips for Controlling Household Pests
Clean food and grease from stove daily. If possible, clean under and behind stove.
Clean up food spills, crumbs, and liquids on countertops and floors immediately.
Empty trash daily. Clean and disinfect garbage cans and recycling bins weekly. Let the cans dry out before you put in a new garbage bag.
Keep the cabinet under your sink dry and clean. Have leaks repaired.
Clean the outside and inside of the refrigerator. If possible, vacuum underneath.
Wash and dry dishes as soon as possible after eating. Wash floors at least weekly.
Tips for Controlling Household Pests
Cockroaches are attracted to food and moisture – Remove or tightly cover all food – Clean up spills on floors and counters– Don’t leave water sitting in open containers – Use baits or gel products to get rid of cockroaches. – Seal any cracks around the walls or cabinets where
cockroaches can get in. – Throw away paper grocery bags and stacks of newspaper.
Roaches like to live in them.