Exterminator Bakersfield is the person responsible for eliminating unwanted pests from homes and businesses. They use a variety of techniques and require good physical stamina to bend or crawl in tight spaces.

Pest control professionals often work together to offer long-term prevention methods. These include traps, netting and decoys. They also help homeowners understand their options to keep unwanted pests away.

Pest Identification

Identifying pests is the first step of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and critical for effective control. Proper identification helps ensure that pesticides are used only where and when they are needed, and that they are applied at the correct rates to achieve the desired results. It also helps reduce the risk of injury to beneficial organisms, harmless plants or non-targeted animals. Pest identification should be as specific as possible, especially for insect pests. A weed specimen identified as “forest tent caterpillar” should be treated with a product approved for that specific pest, rather than one that is labeled only as “caterpillars.”

Many species of pests change their appearance as they go through different life stages. For example, an immature beetle might look a lot like a worm or caterpillar, and vice versa. The physical characteristics of a pest may also be influenced by the environment, such as the amount of sunlight it receives or the temperature it is exposed to. For these reasons, pest identification is often difficult and should be done with a degree of care to avoid misdiagnosis.

A pest control technician will carry out a thorough inspection of the affected area to assess the nature and extent of the infestation. This includes checking the inside and outside of the property, looking for evidence of pests such as feces, nests and damaged plants or structures, and identifying their entry points and possible breeding sites. This information will be used to develop a treatment plan that might include chemical treatments, traps and other exclusion techniques.

In some cases, the identification of pests requires expert assistance from specialists in fields such as botany, entomology and malacology. These individuals, known as National Specialists, provide final taxonomic identifications for PPQ’s pest identification programs and also collaborate extensively with non-PPQ experts, including those located at universities, state departments of agriculture, land-grant colleges and natural history museums. Accurate and timely pest identification is an essential part of safeguarding our nation’s agricultural and natural resources. It is the basis for all PPQ’s pest monitoring and response activities, and is the key to enabling appropriate, cost-effective use of federally registered plant protection products.

Treatment

A typical day in the life of an exterminator involves going to a customer’s house or building and carrying out various pest control treatments. The job is not easy because it requires identifying pests, using pesticides or other types of chemical solutions to kill off the unwanted pests and making sure that all infested areas are treated. The exterminator also ensures that people occupying the house or building are evacuated during spraying and that air quality is restored afterward. Some jobs require the exterminator to drill into walls and other hard-to-reach places to access the areas that are infested by pests.

Harsh pesticides can affect the respiratory and nervous systems if inhaled or absorbed through skin contact. For this reason, the exterminator will usually advise inhabitants of how long they should remain away from their homes or offices after the treatment. In most cases, the duration of time required for a safe return depends on the type of pesticide used. The exterminator may also inform the occupants that it is important to keep children and pets away from the area until the chemicals are completely dry.

The presence of dead roaches in the hours and days after the treatment is a good sign. This is because the chemicals used in the treatment have forced roaches out of their hiding places and into direct contact with the pesticides. The exterminator should inform their customers that cleaning up these dead roaches is a necessary step to maintain hygiene in the home or office.

It is advisable to avoid cleaning right after a treatment because you might wipe away the chemicals used by your exterminator and this could decrease the effectiveness of the treatment. It is recommended that you wait for at least two to four hours before you clean again, keeping the windows open and running fans to let your home or office breathe.

Providing your exterminator with access to all the parts of your home or office where the pests are likely to hide is a good idea. In addition to this, removing any rotting wood and other materials that can act as shelter to pests is important. Additionally, reducing the amount of water around your property by fixing leaks is important as pests love moist environments.

Prevention

The term “exterminator” is often used interchangeably with the term “pest control specialist.” Although their main goal is to remove pests, there are a few key distinctions that you should be aware of.

An exterminator is a person who is trained to use chemical products to eradicate pests. They are also knowledgeable about the habits and lifestyle of their customers and can come up with preventive strategies that will keep pests away for good.

Many pest infestations require immediate attention, especially if they are causing serious damage to the property. An example would be termites, which can cause significant structural damage to the home if not dealt with quickly. A professional exterminator can treat an infestation before it spreads further, saving the homeowner time and money.

One of the most important aspects of an exterminator’s job is listening to their customers. A customer knows their home or office like the back of their hand and can help an exterminator identify additional areas where pests may be hiding. This may include places that are difficult to see, such as cracks in walls or attics.

Depending on the type of pest, an exterminator will decide on the most appropriate treatment method. This could involve chemicals, traps or even physical removal of the pest. An exterminator will normally try to use the most environmentally friendly methods possible.

Once the pests are gone, the customer may notice a lingering smell or other signs of residual treatment. If this is the case, the customer should contact their exterminator to ask if this is normal and to get advice on when it is safe to begin regular household cleaning again.

An exterminator will often give a list of things that the customer can do to prevent pests from returning. This might include keeping the house clean, storing food in sealed containers and clearing out rubbish regularly. A homeowner should also trim any bushes or trees that might be providing shelter to rodents and other pests. The exterminator will also advise the customer on landscaping tactics to help deter pests.

Follow-Up

No one wants to swat gnats and stomp roaches, and many homeowners are shelling out a lot of money for professional pest control services. Yet there are a few things that exterminators won’t tell you—that you can actually do yourself to prevent unwelcome guests from swarming your home.

First of all, when choosing a pest control company, always hire one that’s licensed to do business in your area. In addition, find out whether they are a member of any local or national pest management associations. This could be a good indication that they are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of their industry.

Before your exterminator arrives, you should prepare your house by cleaning and storing objects that might be exposed to chemicals or traps. Taking steps to clean the areas where pests lurk, such as under sinks and behind furniture, gives your exterminator better access and increases the effectiveness of the treatment. It’s also a good idea to cover any fish tanks or bird cages. If you have kids or pets, be sure to keep them away from the treated areas.

Some dictionaries, including the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, list “followup” as a single word rather than separating it into two words. Others, including Merriam-Webster, hyphenate the word as a standard usage. In any case, you should never be afraid to ask your pest control specialist questions. It’s important to find out what they will do for you and how long it should take.

It’s also worth finding out whether your exterminator will carry identification from their company at all times, and whether they have done a background check before being employed. Some of the most effective treatments for pests, such as chemical sprays, can be very toxic and should only be handled by trained professionals.

Before an exterminator uses any kind of spray around your house, they should thoroughly inspect the area to ensure that they are using the correct amount of the product. This is to protect you, your family and your pets, as well as the environment, from unnecessary exposure to chemicals that can be hazardous to your health.

Pests such as cockroaches, rats and mice can spread diseases. Rodents have incisors that cause damage to wood structures in homes and apartments by chewing. Termites are one of the most destructive pests of homes in the United States.

Regular cleaning, dehumidification and proper storage can control many pest infestations. Other steps include knowing the basic biology and habits of different pests, recognizing common symptoms and taking action promptly. Visit their Website for more informations.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are among the most adaptable insects on the planet, making it difficult to keep them out of your home. They’re able to flatten their bodies and squeeze into spaces only 1 or 2 millimeters wider than they are. They’re experts at hitching rides, entering homes on delivery packages, cardboard cutouts for 6-packs of beer or even in airport luggage. They can also scuttle across floors and walls to find dark, damp places where they’ll be safe from light, air conditioning or heating.

The most common household cockroach is the German cockroach, which grows up to 1 1/4 inches long and has two black stripes on its head. It takes about two months to grow from egg to adult. Other cockroaches include the American cockroach, oriental cockroach and brown-banded cockroach.

Keeping food sealed in cabinets and pantry drawers will prevent cockroaches from gaining access to it. Regularly cleaning the kitchen and storing items in containers with tight-fitting lids can help, too. Make sure your garbage disposal is working well and that there are no leaky faucets or pipes. Emptying pet water dishes and toothbrushes at night can further deter cockroaches from hanging around your home, too.

Booklice

The tiny wingless insects known as booklice (Psocoptera) are a nuisance in dark, damp areas like basements, crawl spaces, kitchens and pantries. They feed on microscopic fungi and mold and often appear in new homes, where they may take up residence in insulation or around leaky plumbing.

The adult psocids are translucent or white to grey in colour and look somewhat like lice. They have a pair of long, slender antennae and chewing mouthparts. They lay sticky eggs alone or in groups and hatch from them within 2-4 weeks, developing through a series of nymphal stages before reaching adulthood.

Controlling a Booklice infestation is difficult as they are very secretive and do not leave many clues. If you suspect a problem, search bookshelves and boxes in dark corners for evidence of their presence. You can also check pantries and cupboards for signs of a mildew-like powder.

The best prevention measure is to reduce humidity levels in the home by opening windows and using fans, or installing dehumidifiers in problem rooms. This will help to eliminate any spores of mildew or mold and discourage psocids. A regular sweep of the house with borax or enzyme-based cleaners will also clean away any food sources and remove any possible hiding spots for these pests.

Ants

Ants are one of the most commonly encountered household pests. These insects are known for contaminating food, staining fabrics and paper, and depending on the species, can cause diseases such as salmonella, coliforms, streptococcus, and more. They can also damage wood structures in homes and property. They can invade properties through open food sources or by chewing their way into the home from the outside.

There are a few different types of ants in our area, including odorous house ants and carpenter ants. Odorous house ants are small and black or brown in color, and emit a scent that has been described as rotten coconut when crushed. These ants are most often seen in kitchens searching for sweet foods. They nest in wall voids and under floors of houses. Carpenter ants excavate wood to build their nests, leading to structural damage in homes.

To keep ants out of the house, keep counters and sinks clean of food scraps. Store honey, sugar, and other sweets in airtight containers. Make sure pet food is kept in containers between feedings and that garbage is taken out regularly. In addition, ant repellents can be very effective when used correctly. Ehrlich specialists recommend a mixture of lemon eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and water that can be sprayed around the interior of the home.

Bird Mites

Bird mites can be difficult to detect as they are so small. They are typically found in pigeons, sparrows, starlings and other wild birds but can also be brought into homes through pet birds. They can bite humans as they search for new hosts but cannot reproduce on human blood and will die if not fed within a few weeks.

The most common symptom of a bird mite infestation is itchy skin. This is caused by the female mites injecting saliva into the skin, triggering an itching response similar to that of bed bug bites. The itching will usually clear once the mites are eradicated.

Control of bird mites starts with identifying and removing any nests or dead birds on or around property and in walls, roof spaces and porches. Spraying cracks and crevices with residual insecticides will also help to control the infestation. Be sure to read all product labels and apply as directed.

Silverfish or Firebrats

Silverfish and firebrats are wingless, flat insects that grow to about 1/2 inch in length with three thin tail-like appendages. They are found in many areas of the house, including closets, cabinets and storage areas, where they feed on starches, carbohydrates, paper, glue and other materials of plant origin. They can also damage silk and some synthetic fabrics.

In homes, both silverfish and firebrats are primarily nocturnal. They move quickly for their size and are attracted to starchy foods like cereal grains, flour, breadcrumbs, dried meats, book bindings, wallpaper and paper sizing. They also eat wood products and dead animals.

Control of silverfish and firebrats involves eliminating conditions that encourage them, such as humidity, by using dehumidifiers in damp basements and ensuring bathrooms are well ventilated. Regular cleaning around and behind appliances and in cabinets, closets and pantries will help to reduce food sources.

Both insects can be trapped in glass containers (like baby food jars) by wrapping the outside of the container with tape. This method works because silverfish and firebrats cannot climb smooth surfaces, but they can crawl up the taped surface. Boric acid dust can be used in wall voids and cracks to control both silverfish and firebrats, as it is low in toxicity and long-lasting if applied regularly.

Earwigs

Earwigs are not a problem on their own, but when too many enter your garden or home, they can damage plants and cause structural problems in your house. They feed on decaying plant material, wood and flowers and can also invade your home by seeking out damp spots like basements and crawl spaces. Chemical pesticides are not a good control option for earwigs because they can disrupt the delicate balance of your garden ecosystem. Instead, look to natural methods and consult your local pest control company for advice and help.

Earwigs are nocturnal and are attracted to moist dark areas where they can hide during the day. They can be drawn to your home by porch lights, and they’re often brought in unintentionally when people bring plants, wood piles, books, newspapers, boxes or other items inside. They can also find their way into your home through cracks and crevices, especially around doors and windows that aren’t sealed properly. Regular inspections and sealing of gaps are a good idea to prevent earwigs from entering your home, along with a dehumidifier in basements and a vapor barrier under cedar siding. Sprinkle boric acid powder or diatomaceous earth on dark, protected, moist areas outside to kill earwigs and other insects, but be sure to use it when children and pets are not nearby.

Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles are more commonly found in homes than are clothes moths and can cause extensive damage to a variety of items such as woolens, carpets and rugs, furs, stuffed animals, leather book bindings, animal horns, hair, feathers and dried plant materials. These pests also feed on a wide variety of seeds, grains and stored food products. Carpet beetle infestations are more difficult to control than are clothes moth infestations, but a combination of sanitation, exclusion and non-chemical controls may help prevent an outbreak.

Outdoors, adult female carpet beetles are often found on the blossoms of crape myrtle, spiraea, queen Anne’s lace, buckwheat and daisies as well as other flowering plants with abundant pollen. They will also seek out spider webs and bee, wasp and bird nests to lay eggs in. Larvae feed for varying lengths of time and molt 8-17 times before pupating.

Larvae can be detected by observing fecal pellets, which look like table salt and have the color of whatever item they have fed on. Seeing these pellets should be a prompt indication that carpet beetles are present in the home. Steam cleaning is effective for eliminating carpet beetle larvae and their eggs. In addition, examining fresh-cut flowers before bringing them into the house will ensure that carpet beetles are not hiding inside them.