Vacuums are great for pest management because they can remove many insects and spiders immediately thus decreasing large populations before long-term management programs are implemented. Vacuums can also be used for removal of insects where spraying insecticides is not an option. Vacuuming roaches under sinks and cabinets will diminish much of the infestation and allow for quicker control of the pest. A vacuum with a H.E.P.A. filter is needed to keep possible allergens from escaping the vacuum.
A vacuum can be useful when termites or ants are swarming in a structure to maintain the large number of insects while the pest control company is on its way (please leave a few insects for the technician to identify). Spraying insects may prolong control efforts, because it can split some colonies or cause the insects to forage in other parts of the structure.
Vacuuming is also an important part of flea management. Vacuuming lifts carpet fibers and allows for the chemical to penetrate to where the fleas larvae and adults are hanging out; it will also remove some eggs, larva, pupa, and adults. Please remember to remove the bag and dispose of it outside. Most chemicals used for flea control can only control the larva and adult stages. The waxy coating on the egg and pupal stages protect them from the chemicals; with this in mind it is important to vacuum after treatment because vacuuming stimulates pupa to develop into adults faster, thus decreasing the time for control.