Apr 7, 2023, 13:56 PM by Fred Speer

April is National Pest Management Month, an annual observance highlighting the vital role that pest control plays in protecting public health, food, and property from the threats posed by pests.

Clark Pest Control and more than 18,000 pest control professionals across the country are committed to protecting public health and property. Without highly trained and licensed service professionals, Californians and Nevadans would be much more aware of how closely they live alongside such pests as rodents and cockroaches.

“Without the steadfast efforts of pest control professionals, the general public’s health would be at risk,” says Jim Fredericks, senior vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association. “Pest control professionals protect the food we eat, the places we live, and the people we love from pests. They have worked tirelessly to reduce our risk of falling ill from dangerous diseases spread by pests and continue to preserve our property from pest damage.”

Public health and pests

According to a 2023 survey commissioned by the NPMA and conducted online by the Harris Poll, 88 percent of Americans have had bugs, insects, or rodents in their home over the past year. That’s too close for comfort.

Protecting public health is an important job for pest control professionals because some of the pests that homeowners regularly encounter are a public health concern. These pests can severely compromise quality of life and threaten the structural integrity of a home.

Rodents and cockroaches contaminate food, spread disease, and exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms, while such backyard pests as ticks and mosquitoes spread diseases like Lyme disease, hantavirus, and West Nile virus.

If you suspect an infestation, it’s best to reach out to a professional, as pest control is not a do-it-yourself task. Pests that are common home invaders – rodents, cockroaches, and flies – are recognized transmitters of potentially serious diseases and bacteria to humans. Trying to eradicate them for good can be tricky to do on your own.

Termites are another pest that you should keep an eye out for, as they can cause costly damage to property while going unnoticed in uninhabited areas of the home.

Five fast pest prevention tips

To help you get prepared for peak pest season this spring and summer, Clark Pest Control recommends the following pest prevention tips:

• Prevent termites by installing downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks to divert water away from the foundation. Be sure to also eliminate mulch or wood contact with the exterior of the structure.
• Prevent mosquitoes by removing sources of moisture around the property, as this pest only needs a half-inch of water to reproduce.
• Prevent flies by regularly removing garbage and using well-sealed receptacles to help deter this pest from coming indoors.
• Prevent rodents by sealing any cracks throughout your property with an appropriate sealant.
• Prevent cockroaches by practicing proper sanitation. Avoid letting dishes pile up in the kitchen and be sure to wipe down counters to keep them free of food debris.

To get ahead of pest issues around your home this spring, call or text Clark Pest Control at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or email us at clarkcares@clarkpest.com.

Until next time, the pest management professionals at Clark Pest Control thank you for helping to keep unwanted pests out of your home and yard.