Get matched with top pest control specialists in Ina, IL

Dawn detergent does much more than clean germs on your dishes. It can also help remove flea eggs from your pet. Give your pet a bath using a few squirts of Dawn in warm water—be sure to keep it away from their eyes—to wash away those flea eggs. Note that Dawn doesn’t actually kill the eggs, nor can it help you with any eggs that have already fallen off your pet and taken up residence in your household, though.

No, you should never vacuum or sweep up mouse or rat droppings, as doing so can release harmful particles into the air and increase your risk of disease exposure. Instead, wear gloves and a mask, spray the droppings with a disinfectant spray, let it soak for a few minutes, and then carefully wipe them up with paper towels. Afterward, disinfect the area thoroughly and immediately wash your hands when you’re done.

Exterminators can get rid of your current ant problem, but they won’t prevent ants from coming back. So it’s important to implement ant preventatives to avoid future infestations.

The primary reason ants enter your home is to find food. If they can’t find any, they won’t survive. So, the most effective way to prevent ant infestations is to clean, clean, and clean some more. 

Keep your kitchen sparkling and wash your dishes immediately (or at least give them a quick rinse and wash off leftover food). Take out your garbage and compost as often as possible and tightly seal all your kitchen containers, especially the mason jars you use to hold your sugar—sugar is gold to ants.

You can also hire a local handyperson to help you prevent future ant infestations. The handyman can seal cracks and fix leaks throughout your home, which will keep any ants from entering.

The best termite treatment depends on your specific infestation, home, and budget. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the most common professional treatments are soil-applied barrier treatments, like liquid termiticides, and termite baits. Bait stations are placed in the soil and work by moving poison back into the colony to kill the queen. For infestations that haven't fully taken root, barriers and targeted termiticides are often the most effective options. Additionally, preventative measures such as moisture removal and installing physical barriers to protect vulnerable wood are important, particularly during construction or remodeling. It is best to work with a termite professional to determine the right treatment for your situation.