Summer is here. In many places, the weather has warmed up substantially, and people are spending more time outdoors. However, the caveat is still that the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is still causing havoc across the world, limiting movement as people are still required to maintain social distancing regulations.

The COVID-19-related lockdown has resulted in many challenges, notwithstanding the world’s governments attempt to prevent and control the virus’s rampant spread. Another substantial challenge to navigate is the changing behavior of pests like rats.

Because all non-essential businesses were closed in March 2020, and are only opening or have not yet opened, these rats are becoming more aggressive because their usual food sources, waste generated by restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries, is no longer available. They are also coming out of their traditional hiding places like sewers and city centers to find new food sources. And, in worst cases, they are known to bite children’s exposed body parts while they are sleeping.

Unfortunately, rats are not the only pests that invade human settlement areas. Other pests such as spiders, scorpions, mites, bed bugs, and mosquitoes also have the potential to become a serious problem that may require the services of a Roanoke pest control company, especially in the warm summer months. Consequently, here are several tips to help you keep pests away from your family, especially your children.

Professional pest control

It is critical to implement a robust pest control management program, such as recommended by a company who practices Responsible Pest Control.

Existing pest invasions must be removed as soon as possible by a professional pest control agent. It is a very bad idea to attempt to remove pests yourself.

For example, one of the “best” perceived ways of removing rats is to put down poisonous bait that will attract the rats. They will then eat the bait and die. However, rats are not the only mammals attracted to this bait. Domestic pets and even children are equally attracted to this bait. Needless to say, the consequences of your children eating rat poison are tragic and could result in the death of the child. Which is why you need to speak to rat control experts so that any traps are done correctly and safely for everyone’s benefit.

Implement a rigorous home maintenance program

It is essential to ensure that local and seasonal pests are not able to get into your living space, including your home and outbuildings. And, the warmer months of the year, if you live in an area that has harsh cold winters, are an ideal time to catch up on all the maintenance chores that have been piling up since the start of the long, cold winter months.

Juxtapositionally, if you live in a locale that has an extremely hot summer and cool winter, the best time to complete your home maintenance chores is in the cooler winter months. It can be beneficial to have regular checks and pest control maintenance come by, like the servicing offered by ThermoPest every quarter to help you remain on top of any potential issues you may face dealing with pests.

Keep your yard tidy

The perfect place for pests to start their move into your home is an unkempt yard. Therefore, it is important to pick up all the rubbish lying around, keep the grass cut short, rake up all the leaves lying on the ground, and remove all the broken tree branches and garden refuse lying on the ground. All of this garden refuse can be chopped up and added to a compost heap or picked up by a recycling company.