My House Needs to Be Exterminated

Determine Your Pest

• Determining the type of pest in your home is an essential step in eliminating it, whether you intend to do so yourself or with help from a professional exterminator. All types of insects and animals become pests when they enter your home uninvited. Insects such as cockroaches, termites, ants and fleas are a few of the most common pests. Often, you can easily identify the pest type if you catch a glimpse of it on the wall or ceiling. Small pests, such as fleas and termites, are harder to spot. Flea infestations start out small, then grow exponentially. Fleas are very tiny, but they make themselves known by biting humans. Termites eat wood, so check for hollowed-out wood in your home. Animal pests are easier than insects to identify. Rats and mice are common animal pests, as are lizards, snakes and raccoons.

Get Rid of Pests Yourself

• If your pest problem seems small at the moment, do-it-yourself extermination is an ideal option. Handling your own pest control helps you save money, and you have more control over the products used in your home. Once you know what type of pest is in the home, select an appropriate pesticide or elimination method. Pesticides, available at most hardware stores, are labeled specifically for certain pest types. Read the label and buy the correct chemical to ensure that the treatment works. If you buy a pesticide made for eliminating ants, for instance, it may have no effect on cockroaches. Apply the pesticide as the instructions on the package suggest. If you do not want to use chemicals, no-kill traps let you get rid of pests humanely. These are typically used for animal pests, such as mice and rats.

Prepare for Professional Extermination

• Controlling pests yourself works well sometimes, but if you notice the pest population increasing steadily, it's best to call for a professional exterminator. Exterminators thoroughly inspect your home and yard to uncover the pest's hiding places. Exterminators will usually spray a chemical in cracks and crevices that kills several pest types. You and your family do not need to leave the building for this procedure, but it is safest to keep pets locked away in a different room during application.

  If you have a severe infestation, the exterminator may suggest fumigation. You, your family and your pets must vacate the home for this process. Exterminators spray a gaseous chemical into the building to kill all pests inside. They usually cover the home with a tent to keep the chemical from escaping. After this procedure, humans and animals can re-enter the house in two or three days.

Prevent Future Pests

• After you get the pest problem under control, the last thing you want to experience is another infestation. To prevent pests from returning, remember to clean up dropped food and spilled beverages quickly. Clean your home weekly. This involves vacuuming and mopping floors. Never let garbage sit in your home for more than one day, since it can attract pests. If you had a flea infestation, give your pet flea prevention medication each month. Check the seals around your windows and doors. Insects can get in through even the tiniest cracks. Look for holes in the roof where pests can get in, and then seal them to stop re-entry.