MOSES LAKE - With spring upon us, many animals are making their presence known, including the pesky ones that homeowners and renters alike do not want to see around their residences.

Some of these unwanted pests include cockroaches, beetles, termites, mice, rats, ants, wasps, earwigs, spiders, bed bugs and flies. Knowing how to deter and eliminate these pests can aid residents in enjoying their spaces and save them from undue stress.

The first step is to identify what pest or pests are prone to your area or specifically affecting your space. Some simple preventative measures can reduce the chances of dealing with some of these pests says one local expert.

“Of course, we are always big fans of preventative measures,” said Kevin Hake of Columbia Basin Spray Service.

There are also many different types of sprays, powders and traps that can be purchased at nearly any grocery store or home improvement store.

Diatomaceous Earth comes in a fine white powder, depending on the grade, that can be used to promote health, preserve food, and control many common household pests and insects, according to diatomaceousearth.com. The website says it is effective against anything with an exoskeleton.

“This includes every bug you can think of from the smallest bedbug to the largest scorpion. It is not effective on mice or other rodents, as they have the same protection to Diatomaceous Earth that we do: skin,” the website says.

The website says it works by sticking to insects and wicking moisture away from their exoskeletons, fatally dehydrating them.

Diatomaceous Earth comes in a food-grade version that is safe for consumption by humans, cats and dogs but is still effective against insects.

Cleaning and clearing spaces regularly in and around the home can also remove possible hiding spots or food for these pests to live in or off of, Hake said. Also be sure to check and clean anything that is brought into the home, particularly furniture, where some of these critters may hitch a ride.

Calling a pest control service or exterminator can also be utilized as a prevention service or to deal with an infestation.

Hake said he and his team deal with nuisance pests such as ants, beetles, roaches and spiders the most.

Hake recommends residents try traps before sprays to limit the need for chemicals, if possible. Another recommendation was that homes’ foundations should be showing, with a gap of several inches between the siding and dirt. While landscaping can be done to hide a foundation, Hake said not to let the landscaping touch the actual house. This will make it harder for bugs to have access to the home and make it easier to identify when there may be an issue.

He compares the choice for pest control to haircuts, it all depends on how much the resident wants to deal with it themselves or have someone else do it for them and how bad the situation is.

He noted that sometimes it is better to go with a pest control specialist because they may be able to identify an issue that a resident may be stumped by.

Rebecca Pettingill may be reached at rpettingill@columbiabasinherald.com.