Despite the measures to prevent pest infestation, people still find themselves dealing with bugs and rodents in their homes. Pests carry many risks, including diseases and destruction of property, especially when left unchecked. The best way to deal with these animals is to maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of your home, as well as employ preventive measures. Below is a listicle of the most common household pests and how to deal with them.
1. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are the most popular pests found in almost every household in the United States. They are responsible ft destroying fabric and clothing, staining surfaces, and contaminating food. In some cases, they may transmit bacteria and disease-causing organisms such as salmonella and streptococcus.
Bug sprays are usually the first approach to dealing with them. However, with the help of an exterminator, you can remove their hiding places, set up traps, and destroy them before they multiply.
2. Mice
With the exception of people who keep them as pests, mice can cause a lot of damage to your home. They are relatively smaller than rats and can easily fit into tiny spaces making it difficult to combat them. Mice can cause extensive damage to your fabrics, clothes, paper, and other soft items. They are also likely to leave their urine and excrement on surfaces, posing a health risk.
To deal with these pests, you need to seal cracks in your vents and other entry points. You should also consider using rodenticides, glue boards, and traps to capture and kill them. This way, you can effectively manage their population.
3. Termites
Termites are arguably the most destructive and can lead to expensive repairs. They attack lumber used to build homes before moving to furniture, books, and food material. Termites can reproduce rapidly and need to be addressed swiftly to prevent extensive damage.
Aside from insecticides, you can use home remedies to kill and deter termites. You should also consider using termite-resistant wood for your construction project, including white oak and cedar.
4. Ants
Ants are usually challenging to deal with due to their small sizes. Homeowners often deal with varied species, including odorous house ants, carpenter ants, and pavement ants. These pests are usually attracted to food crumbs, sweet smells, and spills. To deal with them, you need to maintain clean surfaces, seal cracks in the wall or floor, and apply insecticides as a permanent solution.
5. Spiders
Spiders are considered unwanted house guests and are mostly found in dark corners of the house. Most spiders are harmless and may go unnoticed for long if not for the visible cobwebs. To prevent spiders from entering your home, you need to place a tight seal around the windows and other entry points. Regularly cleaning tight spaces and corners can also help get rid of them alongside the use of bug sprays.
6. Flies
Flies may not be destructive, but they are arguably one of the most dangerous pests. They are known to carry hundreds of disease-causing pathogens besides their irritating buzzing noise. Flies are attracted to foods and smells. Keeping your home clean and tidy is the first step to preventing an infestation, as well as applying natural remedies. You should consider getting bug spray as the first response to dealing with flies in your home.
