One of the more difficult problems in pest control is stopping bugs that come from a neighbors property. No matter how many old pesticide cans you get from the shed and spray you just can’t get to the source. In many instances the best you can achieve is to keep it at a low roar but that often changes if the conditions next door change too.
Common problems from adjoining property
- Boxelder bugs coming from neighbors trees
- Rats and mice
- Carpenter ants (ants in general)
- Fleas
- Mosquitoes
- Millipedes
- Flies
Now this is by no means a complete list but these are the most common pests that build up in one location and venture off to other locations either in search of food or more real estate. They also can be very difficult because each of them require control efforts getting to the nest site or breeding source in order to eliminate them.
Getting your neighbors help
In a perfect world this wouldn’t be a problem and besides if you are having pest issues I’m pretty sure they are being bothered as well and probably even worse. This can be pretty tricky however and you need careful how you approach them. Asking them to cut down a Boxelder tree might be a tall order but even more difficult might be asking them to clean up all those piles of dog doo to stop the flies. The key is not to start off the conversation by blaming your neighbor. Instead describe the problem you are having and see if they don’t agree that they are having it too. Tell them how you’ve eliminated all the standing water to cut down on the mosquitoes or how you had your yard sprayed for fleas and how much it helped and maybe it would benefit them. Speaking in this way won’t put them in an awkward position and they just might be grateful for the tip. You might even be armed with your your bug guys business card or let them know he’ll be stopping by to follow up and you’ll have him stop by. Not all neighbors will or can cooperate for different reasons but it’s worth the try so you can get to the source of both your problems.
Not getting your neighbors help
Unfortunately this is probably where most homeowners will find themselves.
Perhaps because the neighbor can’t afford service or they are unwilling to take the sanitation measures needed but in any case you are left sharing in their pest problem. In these cases you’re better off to arm yourself with knowledge first before you load up with gallons of spray. Knowing the habits and needs of the acrobatic ant will go along way to keeping your home ant free. Understanding the seasonal millipede or boxelder invasions allows you to set up effective barriers before they get their start. With even just a moderate amount of information you can reduce these invaders presence on your property far better than just a ‘spray and pray’ approach. Traps, lures, baits, physical barriers and using the correct products may make the difference when you can’t get a neighbors help.
Without being able to get to a source or having a product that will be carried back you may be in for a long battle. This is why roaches in apartments are so difficult to eliminate or rats that infest whole city blocks. At this point don’t forget that your local bug man can be of great help. They can set up the most effective barriers to protect you and your family because of their knowledge and access to products that are far superior to what you can buy. You may not eliminate the problem but you will be better off with their professional service.
