Do we need pre-emptive bug spray around the house exterior? - Ask Extension
I am relatively new to Colorado (from the midwest) and moved into a brand new house in the SE Aurora area. A couple of salespeople have come to the d...
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Do we need pre-emptive bug spray around the house exterior? #843206
Asked July 29, 2023, 3:09 PM EDT
I am relatively new to Colorado (from the midwest) and moved into a brand new house in the SE Aurora area. A couple of salespeople have come to the door to sell preventative bug spray for around the perimeter of the house. I have never heard of doing this and don't like the idea of introducing unnecessary chemicals into the environment. I have seen virtually no bugs INSIDE the house and know that having a few now and then is normal. I know a couple of neighbors have gotten these services but still think it may be a scam or at least overkill. Is it? Thanks!
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Faryle,
Welcome to Colorado! :-)
Preventative general insecticides from door-to-door sales people are NOT necessary. We recommend that if you have an insect pest problem, identify the pest, and follow best practices to manage it. Different pests have different strategies for management. Using broad spectrum sprays to "prevent" insect problems will likely kill everything including the beneficial insects.
If you encounter a pest problem in the future, CSU Extension can help you identify the pest and provide recommendations on how to effectively manage it. Reach out to me!
Since you are new to Colorado, feel free to reach out to the Arapahoe County CSU Extension office with any gardening/yard/landscape questions! Here is our website: https://arapahoe.extension.colostate.edu/horticulture/
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Lisa
Lisa Mason
Horticulture Specialist & Entomologist
Colorado State University Extension, Arapahoe County
Welcome to Colorado! :-)
Preventative general insecticides from door-to-door sales people are NOT necessary. We recommend that if you have an insect pest problem, identify the pest, and follow best practices to manage it. Different pests have different strategies for management. Using broad spectrum sprays to "prevent" insect problems will likely kill everything including the beneficial insects.
If you encounter a pest problem in the future, CSU Extension can help you identify the pest and provide recommendations on how to effectively manage it. Reach out to me!
Since you are new to Colorado, feel free to reach out to the Arapahoe County CSU Extension office with any gardening/yard/landscape questions! Here is our website: https://arapahoe.extension.colostate.edu/horticulture/
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Thanks,
Lisa
Lisa Mason
Horticulture Specialist & Entomologist
Colorado State University Extension, Arapahoe County
