Many people think of pest control as a one-time invitation for a technician to treat your home to remove a termite or bed bug invasion. If that were the case, it would be entirely understandable why the proposal of year-round pest control might confuse you. However, in reality, treating for existing pests is a small portion of what a pest management professional (PMP) really does.

Modern pest control initiatives revolve around surveillance and precautionary measures. More specifically, urban pest management emphasizes monitoring for early detection to employ immediate control tactics. Of course, pest detection relies heavily on knowledge; you must know what to look for. You need to know the physical attributes of common (and uncommon) pests in the area and recognize signs of their presence when they are not outwardly visible.

Though DIY methods are usually an option, building up an encyclopedic knowledge takes time and effort. There are plenty of things the internet simply cannot tell you. Meanwhile, making a pest control mistake can have dire consequences. Moreover, a PMP can inspect your home for potential concerns, eliminating them before an infestation ever becomes an issue. Year-round pest control is the best way to ensure that your home remains pest-free throughout every season.

Is Year-Round Pest Control Really Worth It?

Since modern pest control strategies rely heavily on prevention and early detection, year-round pest control programs are often beneficial and preferable. Certain infestations may only require a few visits, such as bed bugs, and wasps. However, other common pests require ongoing attention, with the most common including rats, fleas, ants, spiders, and roaches all of which are familiar to Chicago residents.

If you experience frequent pest problems, a monthly or bi-monthly plan, as opposed to annually, can actually save you money in the long run. The more often a PMP visits your home, the less severe your issues are likely to be. Investing in prevention allows you to avoid costly repairs to damaged furniture, wiring, flooring, and more. For instance, termites alone cost Americans billions of dollars a year. A qualified PMP can offer valuable advice regarding what to do in a pesky situation and how to reduce the risk factors in your home.

A Look At Chicago’s Rodent Problem

If you have spent time living in Chicago, chances are you have heard about its rodents. By no mistake, it has been named the “Rattiest City” in the U.S. seven years in a row. And the problem is only growing worse despite targeted efforts by the Bureau of Rodent Control and the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation. Even the Humane Society has stepped in, placing more than 1,000 feral cats onto Chicago streets since 2012. But unfortunately, while helpful, such solutions have not been enough to eliminate problems with mice and rats; it merely reduces them.

Total rodent control comes down to the vigilance of individual households. Though basic sanitation and the use of the city’s free, heavy-duty plastic garbage carts certainly make a dent in their food supply, external factors prompt rodents to invade residential and urban homes. For example, as temperatures drop in the winter, rats enter homes seeking shelter and warmth. Similarly, climate change and urbanization have increased rat populations. The 2020 pandemic also had a significant impact on rat behavior. As restaurants closed, rodents lost access to their primary food source, causing them to act more aggressively and invade homes year-round.

When it comes to household pest control, rats can be particularly problematic because of their ability to squeeze into small crevices and their cleverness at evading traps. They can tread water for up to three days, swim a half-mile through open water, and leap three feet straight into the air. Unlike termites or bed bug infestations, controlling rats is not a one or two-time fix. Instead, it is an ongoing battle of exclusion tactics and constant observation. In a rodent-infested area like Chicago, year-round pest management goes a long way in minimizing their impact.

Expert Pest Control In Chicago, IL, And Surrounding Areas

Ultimately, the ideal frequency of pest control you employ depends on environmental conditions or pest susceptibility and your tolerance level. If your goal is to live a pest-free life, chances are your home requires some degree of ongoing care. Very few households can get away with infrequent professional inspections and remain pest-free. Fortunately, Midwest Pest Solutions can fulfill your pest management needs no matter what type of plan you seek. We offer various levels of service and can customize a plan to fit your needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you live a pest-free life.