5-29-09: As North Carolina Families Head Outdoors for Summer Activities, Some Pests Work Hard to Move Indoors
| May 29, 2009 |
State’s Pest Management Association Urges Homeowners to Take Precautions Against Indoor Pests
Raleigh, N.C. – As families celebrate the kick-off to the summer season and head outdoors to enjoy the warm weather and extra daylight, there are some pests that are working hard to move indoors. Today, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA) urged homeowners to take precautions to help ensure their homes stay pest-free.
“Summer is an active time for all of us,” said Kristin Dodd of Carolina Pest Management in Monroe and a board member of the NCPMA. “This is also true for certain insects that prefer to move indoors during the warm months. These pests, like ants, spiders and moths, often find the indoors an attractive place to stay and will work diligently to move inside our homes.”
The association is urging homeowners to incorporate important pest management strategies as they begin enjoying the summer months. According to the association, ignoring the increased presence of pests during these months can result in serious infestations and other problems that can bring health risks to families.
“We all seem to get busy during the summer months and may not make pest management a top priority,” said Burns Blackwell of Terminix Company in Greensboro and a board member of the NCPMA. “The North Carolina Pest Management Association encourages families to stay vigilant against pests that make their way indoors during the summer months. Taking the time to have your home serviced properly by a trained professional is a key step to make sure your home stays clean and healthy throughout the year.”
The NCPMA has offered the following tips for families to help ensure a pest-free summer:
- Keep it closed. Keep windows and doors closed to keep pests from coming inside the home.
- Bag it! Reduce dust-mites, carpet beetles and spiders in your home by vacuuming your home thoroughly including carpets, draperies and mattresses and box springs.
- Clean your closets. To reduce carpet beetles and moths in your home, get rid of unwanted clothing in your closet and especially on your floor.
- Keep an eye on pets. Make sure you watch your pets closely, especially if they spend time outdoors. Check your pets’ fur for ticks regularly and make sure you speak with your veterinarian about flea protection.
- Prevent ants from invading your home. Eliminate clutter and keeping food in air tight containers. Always keep surface areas dry and clean from anything that has spilled. Ants are always looking for food and water.
- Schedule regular pest inspections. Get your home inspected regularly by a qualified, licensed pest professional. Your pest professional can recommend steps you can take to make sure your home stays pest-free. Visit www.ncpestmanagement.org to find a pest professional in your area.
About the NCPMA
Founded in 1952, the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA), is the trade association representing the professional pest management industry in North Carolina. NCPMA promotes the continued cooperation and success of all pest management businesses in North Carolina. Formerly, the North Carolina Pest Control Association, NCPMA is the only statewide association dedicated to representing and educating North Carolina’s pest management professionals.
To learn more about NCPMA, please visit its Web site at: www.ncpestmanagement.org.
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