Insects find their way into our homes no matter how careful we are with our housekeeping. Some of these insects damage food, clothing, rugs, or furniture; others carry disease. Many household insects are easily controlled. To get rid of others, such as termites and carpet beetles,you need considerable persistence and effort. Good housekeeping and thorough sanitation are highly important as aids to control or prevent infestations of many kinds of pests.
This bulletin presents information for use by the homeowner. If pest infestations are too complex or severe, obtain the services of a professional pest control operator. If, as a homeowner, you decide to use an insecticide to kill pests, you must use the correct formulation. This is the form in which the active chemical is combined with other ingredients for application. Chemicals formulated for use on agricultural crops may be too hazardous for home use. Formulations developed for use inside homes may severely damage plants because of the type of solvents... read more
A.L. Antonelli, Ph.D., Washington State University Extension entomologist, WSU Puyallup; Carrie Foss, M.S., WSU Extension pesticide
educator, Puyallup; and Catherine H. Daniels, Ph.D., Extension manager WSU Pesticide Information Center, WSU Tri-Cities.
