One of the most exciting and life changing moments is when a new baby enters the home. These sensitive little beings are more susceptible than adults to many things.. The question often arises, what should be done about pest control with a new baby? The answer to this question is very personal and will vary depending on many factors. There are some general principles to consider.
- Organic is not necessarily healthier. Many products that qualify as organic contain ingredients that are known carcinogens. This does not mean all organic products are bad, but you must pay attention to what goes into it.
- When it comes to important interior treatments in areas where a baby may be present, keep in mind it does not have to be a broadcast spray inside. There are some great crack and crevice tools that allow the product to be applied back where bugs are squeezing in and out without having it out in the open for people to interact with it.
- Dispose of soiled diapers appropriately. Dirty diapers though disgusting to our sensitive human noses, can be havens to certain pests. Simply put, dispose of them in a sealed fashion and minimize worries.
- Picking up after baby as they get to experimental eating ages will minimize the crumbs available for pests to feed on.
- Don’t simply avoid pest control. Many pests such as mice, roaches, and just about any insect that crawls can track germs and disease through the home. When it comes to babies and toddlers putting anything in their mouth that they can, fewer pests is better. In addition, some ants and other crawling insects bite, wasps sting, and that can be a miserable experience for a baby.
- Beyond cleaning up after a baby, don’t pile up food on floor like a mountain of cheerios to keep baby happy. This can be a huge time saver, but pests love such practices.
- Stinging insects though mentioned above deserve a line of their own. Keep in mind that nests can develop in voids, in peaks above, under bushes, or in the ground below. Inspection and treatment for these should occur regularly rather than wait for a crying child to indicate a nest needs taken care of.
- Pest control is not limited to insects, arachnids, and rodents. There are many weeds that can cause some nasty scratches and/or rashes to a baby crawling through them. It is important to consider the risk that these pose vs. the likelihood of the baby crawling around in herbicides. It is usually simple to put together a lawn management plan that satisfies both ends of the spectrum.
- Never undervalue the importance of exclusion. Excluding pests from the home is just as essential as excluding the baby from where it should not go. It is fun to give them their freedom, but their freedom should pertain to where they are best kept.