For an effective balance of the ecosystem, insects and rodents are necessary. They become pests when they are in unwanted places like your home. Pests are a source of nuisance, damage, and disease, so it is important to remove them from the home as soon as possible. Services like Pest Control Experts (https://www.pestcontrolexperts.com/pest-control/) can remove an infestation quickly, though if you do not take preventative measures against pests, you will find yourself calling exterminators like these very often.
Being clean and tidy can prevent the majority of pest infestations, but it does not give 100% assurance of being pest-free. To effectively combat common household pests, you need to equip yourself with information on how to deal with each variety. Here are four common household pests and what you can do to deter them.
Four Common Household Pests
- Carpenter ants
Ants can be a particular nuisance when they infiltrate your home, and they have many species. Carpenter ants are one of the largest and most challenging ant species to control. They are fast-spreading ants and are present around structures like water hoses, downspouts, and building exteriors with corners and edges. This species is unique for destroying furniture woods. If you see a pile of particles (wood shaving) in your home, it is a sign of carpenter ant infestation.
You deal with them by creating a bait to find their nest. The ants are attracted to sweets, so you can rub them with baking soda (that will kill them). This is how to get rid of carpenter ants for good. Also, you should also monitor the final location of the bait transport, which is usually their nest (you should destroy it). Another way is by getting a food scent trail because they travel using food trails. You can clean your dining and kitchen areas with essential oils to interrupt the scent.
- Cockroaches
They are one of the most common and most notorious household pests. They are known for soiling living areas and creating an unhealthy atmosphere. Depending on the species present, they can transmit bacteria and diseases like salmonella, staphylococcus, hepatitis virus.
The easiest way to deal with them is by keeping the house clean. Do not leave food exposed around the house and waste anywhere, as they can attract cockroaches. Instead, locate and remove any source of water and hiding places for them. Place traps for them around the house. You can also use pesticides, but they are not eco-friendly and can harm you.
- Mosquitoes
There are over 150 species of this pest in the United States. And they are usually common in the spring and summer. They can disturb you by creating a buzzing sound in your ear and bite you. In addition, they are known for transmitting deadly diseases like malaria, Zika virus, and more.
You deal with mosquitoes by keeping your environment free from accumulated water that can serve as their breeding area. Also, monitor humid places like under your sink and laundry areas. You can use an indoor insect fogger to get rid of them or spray pesticides. You can also consult with a mosquito control specialist for other options.
- Mice
They are not as large or ugly as rats, but they are capable of much more damage. You might not see them scurrying around the house like rats, but you’ll notice their droppings (resembles oversized coffee grounds). They damage your home by leaving urine and excrement on household objects and chewing books, fabrics, and soft materials.
The presence of open food keeps them present in your house; tightly seal all food (both for humans and pets) around the house. Because they can squeeze through any gap, tightly seal all cracks present in your home. Use traps, rodenticide, or glue board to kill the mice.
Pests are a household nuisance, effectively managing them will help you enjoy your homestay. If the pest infestation is beyond your control, you can invite an exterminator.