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Keep home invaders out in the coldGardeners always seem to be talking about beneficial bugs and how wonderful they are for the garden. I agree and let the creatures reside as long as they like in my flowers and vegetables. I ooh and ahh over the big orb spiders building their webs, and I marvel as the cicada killers dig their nests in the soil with such perseverance. So it seems funny to me that the second I spot any kind of critter in the house I flip out and instantly span the room looking for the handiest weapon. FYI--the ones that I have found to work the best are the rolled up gardening magazine or the tired flip-flop. I am not alone in this zero tolerance 'no bug left inside' program. Many homeowners see the bugs as an intrusion or a sign of filth. So it isn't a surprise that such a wild reaction surfaces when a tiny wolf spider scurries across the living room floor. I decided that a review of the options available for controlling these nuisances in is in order, and would like to share them with you. There are of course insecticides that can be applied to the exterior and interior of the home. While these products are safe to use in the home it best to implement aspects of an integrated pest management or an IPM program into the home routine. IPM uses techniques such as monitoring, exclusion or mechanical removal to control pests, in addition to the use of insecticides. Monitoring is exactly what it suggests; keeping an eye out for the critters. When spotted simply remove them by hand. Scout rooms that are seldom used like spare bedrooms and coat closets. Many pests like the brown recluse spider often move into areas that are seldom used, dark and cluttered. By monitoring these areas and moving things around it will make the area less desirable for opportunistic visitors. A typical IPM program includes a threshold level. For instance; after finding five spiders in one week the decision to put down an insecticide will be asserted. Of course, every person will not have the same level threshold. Exclusion is the IPM practice that involves preventing insects from entering structures in first place. There are several tips to help secure the integrity of a home. Begin with checking the door sweeps and thresholds at the base of all exterior entry doors. The sweeps can be replaced if they are worn out and caulk can be placed around the threshold to seal it. Pay particular attention to the corners as this is where most insects enter. This is also an energy saving tip that should keep cold drafts out. Outside of the home check where utilities enter the home. Seal utility openings where pipes and wires enter the foundation and siding, e.g., around outdoor faucets, receptacles, gas meters, clothes dryer vents, and telephone/cable TV wires. The spaces around pipes and wires can be perfect spots for pests to gain entry or simply overwinter till next spring. Holes can be plugged with caulk, cement, urethane expandable foam, steel wool or other suitable sealant. Most of these items are available at a local hardware store. While out sealing those spots, take a second to look up and check the attic, roof and crawl space vents. Not all visitors will have six or eight legs; some may only have four or two. Squirrels, bats and birds are common friends that can set up camp in an attic. If a possible entry site is found 1/4 inch wire mesh (hardware cloth) can be used to patch the hole. Repairing entry sites will be a more effective and permanent answer to keeping bugs out of the home, but it can be labor intensive. If a homeowner opts for the chemical approach always read the label to verify the proper application method. Typically a broad band should be applied to the perimeter of the home that includes at least two feet beyond the wall and two feet up the side of the structure. Just remember that this will only be a temporary fix to keeping bugs out in the cold this winter (where they belong). For specific treatment recommendations contact the OSU Master Gardeners at 405-713-1125. 11/24/08 Date: 11/17/08 Advertisement
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