How to choose an exterminator

Do you have an ant, mouse or raccoon problem that requires the services of an exterminator (pest management specialist)? As with any contract with a service company, compare at least three quotes in order to make an informed decision.

Any good exterminator must first take the time to identify the invasive species, identify the areas to be treated and offer you a complete extermination program. For example, it’s not enough to simply set traps to eliminate mice; the exterminator must also find and block the openings through which the critters entered.

Exterminator selection criteria and conditions

All exterminators must hold a pest management contractor’s permit, issued by the Quebec Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment, and Fight Against Climate Change.

Make sure this contractor entrusts the work to trained certified technicians. Anyone carrying out extermination work or, at the very least the person supervising them on the job, must hold a certificate from the ministry.

Also ensure that the pesticides used are products registered under the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and, most importantly, that they are meant for their intended use.

Should I leave the house during the extermination work?

Leaving your property while the work is being carried out may be necessary both for your safety and for the success of the operation. The pest management specialist will make a recommendation, and of course, we suggest you follow it.

Also note that several measures require a follow-up; for example, the eggs and larvae of certain insects can survive an initial treatment.

Caulking as a pest control solution:

Drawn to warmth, safe shelter or food odors, pests such as insects and rodents will find every possible way to enter your home during all seasons of the year.

• Maintaining a clean backyard.
• Maintaining a clean house.
• Having a yearly pest inspection or treatment.
• Caulking.

Caulking is a preventive treatment that helps to keep pests out.

Since pests find their way into your home through holes and gaps in the walls, the most effective way to fight pests is to seal the openings in the envelope of your home. By sealing your home, you are preventing potential pest intrusions.

An exterminator may control insects and rodent infestation periodically; however, most exterminators will advise you to supplement their work by sealing all the gaps and openings in your walls with silicone caulking.

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The advantages of caulking against rodents and insects:

• Calking can seal gaps, cracks and openings of many sizes.
• It doesn’t have to be re-applied every year, unlike pesticides.
• It is not toxic or dangerous to inhale; it is not dangerous to your pets.
• High-quality caulking can last for 10 years or more.
• No animals are harmed in the process.
• No toxic materials in your home or garden.

Replacing your sealants will also help to protect your home against air infiltration (your home will become more energy efficient) and water infiltration.

When it comes to insect and rodent control, sealing the entry points is an essential, healthy and cost-effective PREVENTION solution.

Caulking against rodents and insects

• Calking can seal gaps, cracks, and openings of many sizes.
• It doesn’t have to be re-applied every year, unlike pesticides.
• It is not toxic or dangerous to inhale; it is not dangerous to your pets.
• High-quality caulking can last for 10 years or more.
• No animals are harmed in the process.
• No toxic materials in your home or garden.

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How do pests get in? All it takes is a tiny hole…

Rodents and bugs such as ants, flies, ladybugs, and spiders are experts at detecting the smallest holes to enter your home.

Rodents and bugs such as ants, flies, ladybugs, and spiders are experts at detecting the smallest holes to enter your home.

• A visual inspection: Walk around your property and find possible openings that are easily accessible. It would be best to seal these openings as soon as possible.
• Light through cracks: Another good method is to seal any openings that light can shine through, as a rule of thumb. Don’t underestimate the size. Even if these openings seem tiny, they can still allow determined ants to enter your home.
• Feel the air currents in your home. If you feel air drafts coming into your home, it means that there could be gaps and openings around your doors and windows. Sealing these gaps will help to prevent an intrusion of insects.
• A caulking inspection. Whether you have an idea of where the pests are coming from or have no clue, it is a good idea to contact a professional caulking inspector to inspect your property’s envelope. A professional caulking technician will be able to point out the potential openings and inspect the caulking condition around your home, your window and door caulking, and places where sealants are missing or defective. 

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Sealing the following elements may help to fight pest intrusion.

After finding the openings, it is time to seal every hole, crack and gap. These are the elements that you should consider caulking to prevent insects and rodents intrusion:

• Windows
• Doors
• Siding joints
• Expansion joints
• Roof joints
• Patio doors
• Attics
• Pipes

What is the best caulking product to seal holes against insects and rodents?

Urgence Calfeutrage recommends the usage of top quality silicone sealant to seal your home against insects and rodents. Silicon-based caulking is elastic and flexible. Its elasticity allows it to extract and contract with the structure, therefore, it is extremely durable during the cold Quebec winters and hot summers.

Unlike many caulking products, silicone-based sealants can last for many years without cracking or deteriorating under the sun or in freezing temperatures. Moreover, it can be applied in a wide range of temperatures and has a nice finish if applied by a professional.

The durability of Silicone sealants makes it a perfect choice to seal holes and gaps in your building against the intrusion of insects and rodents. Décontamination

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