Great service! Leo, our technician was very knowledgeable and professional, he helped me understand the do's and don'ts and how to keep my house free of pests. The green company is very pet and child friendly so we didn't loose time from our daily lives. For privacy and out of respect for your property, technicians do not open closed doors so you gotta let them know which rooms you want service in. Price is great, and includes unlimited follow-ups. Great job, thank you.
Caroline Canning
Tim Cloud is thorough and well spoken when it comes to explaining treatment. He gets the job done and we do not experience pests in between sprays, which is really appreciated.
M Hughes
Nathan green services : it was such a pleasure to meet your technician Mr Raul Espinosa. He was very knowledgeable about his job and meticulously checked the property and explained to us that unluckily we are connected to other neighbors which would’ve made his work impossible since the others apparently don’t care about the presence of mice in their attics and the six owners would’ve had to decide to do the job. We really appreciate his time and knowledge . Such a great asset for your company.
victor barbee
Great job. Cheerful, efficient, thorough.
Catherine Raines
Tim is very professional and kind. This is his 2nd time to do our pest control and just like last time was very thorough and made sure we were satisfied. Excellent customer service!
Hitesh Bhakta
Natran serviced my previous home and when I moved to my new house, I contacted them again since their service is excellent and they pay attention to detail.
Cindy Davis
Alex was very thorough and informative of the pest/roach problem I am experiencing. He cared and listened to my concerns. I am hopeful the pesticide and bait work to get rid of these pests.
Radeen Kabir
Whether you have Marc, Raul, or Damion coming by your home for your pest control needs, you will be very pleased with their service. They are highly professional and thorough. After the first pest control folks we used incorrectly told us we had American cockroaches when in fact we had mice, we reached out to Natran and they came by right away. Natran's traps helped us exterminate a number of mice and they also sealed the openings at our home. I highly recommend their services. And Kate at their office is great and will connect you to the right pest control professional, who is very well trained and dependable.
Debbie Hall
Very attentive, articulate, and thorough service person. We appreciate the effort he put in to find the dead rat that had escaped the trap.
Julie Brandom Atun
Thorough and professional!!!
Doug Block
Great pest company. Highly recommend them for fast, effective, and professional pest control. We'll be using them for regular service from now on!
Kevin Bice
Fast, friendly service. They seem to know what they’re doing, and I look forward to working with them in the coming year.
Home > Blog > How to Handle an Unexpected Pest Infestation
Published Date - October 7, 2024
Article written by Jamar Williamson
No one likes dealing with pests, but sometimes they make an unwelcome appearance in our homes. Whether it’s ants marching through your kitchen or rodents scurrying in the attic, a pest infestation can be stressful. The good news is that with the right approach, you can manage the problem effectively. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about handling an unexpected pest infestation—from recognizing the signs to knowing when it’s time to call in the professionals at Natran Green Pest Control.
Understanding the Problem
Before jumping into action, it’s important to understand what you’re dealing with. Not all pests are the same, and each type requires a different approach. Some pests cause structural damage, while others can spread diseases or contaminate your food. Knowing what kind of pest you’re facing will help you choose the best course of action.
Ask yourself:
What type of pest is invading your home? Is it insects, rodents, or something else?
How severe is the infestation? Is it just a few pests, or have they taken over?
What kind of damage have they caused, if any?
Once you have a general understanding of the problem, it’ll be easier to plan your next steps.
Recognizing Signs of Infestation
Pests can be sneaky. Sometimes, they invade without leaving obvious signs at first. However, there are a few common indicators that you may have an infestation on your hands:
Droppings: Rodents, cockroaches, and other pests often leave droppings behind. If you spot tiny pellets, it’s a sign you might have visitors.
Damage to food packaging: Have you noticed small holes in your cereal boxes or nibble marks on other food items? That’s a clear sign of pests.
Nesting materials: Rodents, in particular, love to build nests out of shredded paper, fabric, and other materials. Check storage areas for signs of nesting.
Strange smells: A musty or foul odor could indicate the presence of pests or their waste.
Unusual noises: Scratching, scurrying, or tapping sounds inside your walls or ceilings are often signs of rodents.
Dealing with Specific Types of Pests
Different pests require different approaches. Here’s how to handle some of the most common household invaders:
Ants: Ant infestations often start with a few scouts searching for food. Once they find a food source, the colony follows. Try to locate the entry point and seal it. Clean up any food or crumbs and use natural deterrents like vinegar or lemon juice along entryways.
Cockroaches: Roaches thrive in warm, moist environments. To deal with them, start by thoroughly cleaning your home and removing food and water sources. Baits and traps can also be effective. Since cockroaches can spread disease, calling a professional might be your best bet if you see more than a few.
Rodents: Mice and rats are notorious for squeezing through tiny cracks and causing major damage. Set traps in areas where you’ve seen droppings or signs of gnawing. If the infestation is large, professional help may be necessary to eliminate them.
Termites: Termites can cause significant structural damage to your home. If you see signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes or damaged wood, act quickly. Termites can be tricky to handle on your own, so calling a professional pest control service is highly recommended.
Immediate Steps to Take
If you discover an infestation, don’t panic. Here are some immediate steps you can take to minimize the damage and prevent the situation from getting worse:
Contain the area: If possible, isolate the infested area. Close off doors, vents, or entry points that pests might be using to spread.
Remove food and water sources: Pests are attracted to easy access to food and water. Keep your kitchen clean, store food in sealed containers, and fix any leaks.
Set up traps: Depending on the type of pest, traps can be an effective way to catch or kill pests. Be sure to place them in areas where you’ve noticed activity.
Seal entry points: Pests often enter your home through cracks, gaps, or holes in walls, windows, or doors. Seal these areas to prevent more pests from entering.
Observe for patterns: Keep an eye on pest activity to see if you can identify patterns or specific areas where they’re most active. This can help you plan your next steps.
DIY Pest Control Methods
There are plenty of do-it-yourself pest control options that can help you manage small infestations:
Natural repellents: For insects like ants, spiders, and flies, natural repellents such as essential oils (peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree) can deter them. Simply mix with water and spray around doorways and windows.
Traps and baits: For rodents or cockroaches, store-bought traps and baits can be effective. Place them in high-traffic areas to capture or kill pests.
Diatomaceous earth: This natural powder can be sprinkled around your home to kill insects like ants, fleas, and bed bugs. It works by drying out the pests' exoskeletons, causing them to die.
Homemade sprays: A mixture of vinegar and water can repel insects, while boric acid can be used as a natural insecticide against ants and roaches.
While DIY methods can work for small infestations, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to bring in professional help.
When to Call a Professional
If the infestation is too large, recurring, or causing significant damage, it’s time to call in the experts. Natran Green Pest Control offers eco-friendly pest control solutions that are effective and safe for your home and family. Professional pest control companies have the tools, knowledge, and experience to tackle tough infestations and prevent them from coming back.
When should you call a professional?
If you’ve tried DIY methods and the problem persists
If the infestation is widespread or getting worse
If you’re dealing with pests that pose health risks (like rodents or cockroaches)
If you’re concerned about potential damage to your home
Preventive Measures
The best way to deal with pests is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Here are some preventive measures you can take:
Seal entry points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, or holes where pests could enter and seal them with caulk or other materials.
Keep your home clean: Regular cleaning helps reduce food sources and hiding places for pests. Sweep floors, wipe down counters, and clean up crumbs and spills promptly.
Store food properly: Keep food in airtight containers to prevent pests from accessing it.
Reduce moisture: Fix any leaks, ensure proper ventilation, and use dehumidifiers if necessary. Pests like cockroaches and termites thrive in moist environments.
Yard maintenance: Keep your yard tidy by trimming bushes, trees, and tall grass that can provide shelter for pests. Also, remove debris like leaves or wood piles that attract pests.
Post-Infestation Cleanup
Once you’ve dealt with the infestation, it’s important to clean up thoroughly to prevent future problems:
Dispose of dead pests properly: If you’ve used traps or baits, be sure to safely dispose of dead pests and any used materials.
Clean infested areas: Vacuum or sweep areas where pests were active. Disinfect surfaces to remove any traces of droppings or contamination.
Inspect for damage: Check for signs of damage, especially in areas where pests nested. Look for gnawed wires, chewed insulation, or damaged wood. Repair any damage promptly to prevent future infestations.
Monitor for recurrence: Even after an infestation is cleared, it’s important to monitor for any signs of pests returning. Set up preventative traps or barriers, and stay vigilant.
Conclusion
Handling an unexpected pest infestation can be stressful, but with the right approach, you can get the situation under control. Start by identifying the problem, take immediate steps to contain it, and try DIY pest control methods for small infestations. However, if the problem persists or is severe, don’t hesitate to call Natran Green Pest Control. Our eco-friendly solutions are designed to eliminate pests while keeping your home safe and healthy.
Preventive measures are key to keeping pests out, so seal entry points, clean regularly, and keep an eye on high-risk areas. If you ever find yourself dealing with a pesky invasion, remember that Natran is here to help every step of the way!
What are the initial steps I should take if I discover a pest infestation in my home? If you discover a pest infestation in your home, the initial steps include identifying the type of pest, isolating the affected area to prevent further spreading, and thoroughly cleaning your home to remove any food or water sources that may attract them. Following this, consider contacting a professional pest control service for a thorough inspection and treatment plan.
How can I identify the type of pest that is infesting my property? To identify the type of pest infesting your property, closely observe any visible insects or animals, noting their size, shape, and color, and look for distinctive signs such as droppings, chewed materials, or nests. Additionally, you can research common pests in your area or consult a professional pest control service for accurate identification and advice.
Are there any non-chemical or natural methods to control a pest infestation effectively? Yes, there are several non-chemical and natural methods to control a pest infestation effectively. These methods include using physical barriers, introducing natural predators, employing traps, and utilizing organic deterrents like essential oils, diatomaceous earth, or neem oil. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene and sealing entry points can help prevent pests from settling in your home.
