A few days ago we shared a post on pest management for older adults, focused on managing common household pests. Some situations call for more specialized help, though — so today we’re following up with a look at when to bring in outside support and how to plan ahead if pest treatment disrupts your home. You can revisit the earlier post here.
Wildlife Rehabilitators
If you have a critter stuck in your attic that needs help or humane relocation, the right first call is often a local wildlife rehabilitator. These are trained volunteers and organizations that can either advise you over the phone or come out to help. Kentucky Wildlife Rehabilitators maintains a directory of rehabbers organized by county, which makes finding help nearby much easier. Rehabbers will often ask for photos of the animal in question if you’re able to send them, so they can identify the species and advise on the safest approach.
Have a Plan Before Treatment Begins
For serious pest problems that require fumigation (“bombing”) or extensive treatment, you may need to leave your home for a few days. That’s a bigger disruption than it sounds — especially if you can’t simply pack up and relocate on short notice. Older adults may need to make arrangements for pets, medical equipment that’s difficult to move, or the care of a loved one they look after themselves. Thinking through these logistics before a pest emergency happens makes handling one far less stressful. Even a simple written plan — where you’d go, who could help, what needs to come with you — is worth having on hand.
Know When to Call a Professional
Some pest problems are worth trying to handle yourself; others really do call for a professional exterminator or wildlife service. Signs it’s time to make the call include: pests you can’t identify, recurring infestations that come back after treatment, larger pests like rodents or bats, wildlife in the attic or walls, and any suspected termites or bed bugs. Professionals have the training and equipment to solve the problem at its source — and for older adults, they handle the physical demands and
