Children are especially susceptible to harm from pesticides, because their bodies and immune systems are still developing. For more information, see theLice infestations may be prevented by teaching kids to avoid hair to hair contact, like sharing brushes, hats, and pillows. "American Lung Association web site: âCockroaches and Pests.âNew York State Department of Health web site: âMouse Control.âWashington State Department of Health web site: âBiting and Stinging Bugs.âWebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Employing low-impact tactics does not mean having to put up with rodents or bugs, and these approaches usually offer a longer-term solution.Keep rats and mice out of the house by eliminating their food supply, screening windows and doors and sealing any other potential entry points. The consequences of exposure to multiple pesticides are not well known. Food debris can often collect in these spaces and attract pests.⢠Store food in containers with airtight lids or in the refrigerator. While most of these residues are generally low, there are often mixtures of pesticides found in a single piece of fruit or vegetable. For more information see the To wash hands effectively, wet them with clean, running water, and scrub well with soap for at least 20 seconds, being sure to scrub the back of your hands, between your fingers and underneath fingernails. For example, if youâre not sure whether you have carpenter ants or termites, get help identifying the pest from your local extension service or exterminator.Knowing what type of pest youâre dealing with will help you choose the right kind of pesticide for your problem.The next step is to choose a pesticide that will work against the specific kind of pest you have and pose the least threat to your own health. Also, eliminate their food source by cleaning up all crumbs and spills, storing attractive foods like sugar in the refrigerator, sealing all food containers, rinsing food and drink containers before throwing them out, not leaving pet food out overnight, and repairing leaky pipes. Here are a few suggestions for safer pest control.The first step in IPM is prevention. For more information see the Both US EPA and the FDA are currently reviewing triclosan, a common ingredient in anti-bacterial soaps, which has been in question since recent scientific studies have shown that the chemical alters hormone levels and hinders muscle contractions in animals. Tamper-proof bait traps are available and lower the risk of accidental exposure to the pesticide. But by following basic prevention tips and using pesticides sparingly when needed, you will likely be fine.EPA web site: âProtecting Children From Pesticides;â âPlay It Safe: Reduce Your Childâs Chances of Pesticide Poisoning;â âPesticide Safety Tips;â âThe Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality;â âCockroaches and Pests;â âPreventing Pests at Home;â and âDoâs and Donât's of Pest Control.âUniversity of California Agriculture and Natural Resources web site: âPesticides: Safe and Effective Use in the Home and Landscape. For more information, including a description of various types of rodent traps and an overview of rodenticides, see the Fleas most commonly get into the house on pets that spend time outdoors. If you choose to use a pesticide, keep these tips in mind to minimize risk to infants and children: Always be sure to read the product label first. Since fleas are usually found in places that do not get direct sunlight, keeping outdoor grass and foliage cut short, as well as blocking pet access to places that don’t get much sunlight, will reduce the chances that pets will pick up fleas in the yard. For information on waste disposal sites see www.garden-care.org.uk Choosing pesticides available to Bait traps are often a good way to start. Prevent infestations by keeping a close eye on your luggage when you are traveling. Mulching with compost or straw will keep down weeds, and fencing below the soil line will also keep burrowing animals like gophers and moles to a minimum. If the infestation is severe, it is usually best to contact a professional pest control service (see #9 below); heat treatments are the most effective and least toxic. However, you'll still need to take care that kids and pets can't get into the bait traps. And even the strongest pesticides wonât continue to work over time if pests find easy access to food and water in your home. Protect children against bites by dressing them in long pants and long-sleeved shirts, when possible, and cover strollers and baby carriers in mosquito netting.
Cockroaches like water and can swim.⢠Try to keep your home free of clutter. Treat lice by liberally applying coconut, neem, or olive oil shampoo to the hair and scalp to kill the lice.