Pest control is the process of minimizing or removing a wide range of undesirable insects and other pests from spaces occupied by people. The actual process can take place in the home, in a place of business, or in a public building. Controlling pests normally involves using some type of insecticide to prevent them from entering the space, and to kill any pests that have already established a presence within the space.
Many homeowners choose to manage pest control on their own. This process often includes a combination of strategies designed to make the space less desirable to roaches, bed bugs and other types of pests. Along with keeping the home clean and thus minimizing the potential for providing food for pests such as rats or mice, homeowners will often make use of over the counter products to kill any invaders into the living space. Along with commercial products, some people prefer to use time-honored methods of preparing anti-pest compounds using natural ingredients.
It is not unusual for homeowners, businesses, and municipalities to employ the services of a pest control service. Along with dealing with the usual pests that may seek food and shelter within the building, professional exterminators can also address the presence of pests that could cause serious structural damage to the property. For example, a pest control service is highly likely to deal with termites and ants that can infest the building and the surrounding landscape of the property and ultimately cost the property owner a great deal of money in repairs and replacement of buildings.
People often make use of both individual as well as professional efforts to maintain a pest-free environment. This often means keeping the space clean and uncluttered and making sure there are no cracks or crevices to allow easy access from outside. To compliment these efforts, an exterminator is contracted to come in and treat the space on some type of continuing basis, such as once a month.
The ultimate goal of all forms of pest control is to remove mice, roaches, termites and other types of pests from areas where human beings live, work, and play. Along with minimizing the chances for structural damage, pest eradication efforts also can reduce the chances of humans contracting diseases that are sometimes spread by various types of vermin. Pest control also is a comfort to people who are uncomfortable or have some type of phobia associated with different pests, in that consistent measures make it rare for these people to have to endure coming into contact with the pests.