Common Pests and How to Control Them

Pests can be found at homes or even in commercial areas, no matter how well-kept these places are. That’s why people consider eliminating pests, including commercial pest control. Some pests are harmless but cause discomforts. Others cause health problems and damage home property, leading to losses.

Common Pests Found at Home

Cockroaches

These pests are mostly found in kitchens, drawers, and wall cavities. During the day, they are dormant but come out from their hiding at night to feed. Cockroaches carry pathogens and can cause various diseases to humans, including plague, leprosy, gastroenteritis, and typhoid fever.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are some of the common pests. They bleed in stagnant water, such as pools or wet areas like the bathrooms. Therefore, it would be best to keep the bathroom dry and drain stagnant water. These pests are dangerous because they cause diseases such as malaria, zika, and the West Nile virus.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are a nuisance because their bites cause discomfort and itchy skin. They feed on people, especially when they are sleeping at night. Bed bugs hide in the bed cracks and under the sheets. The dangers of these insects in a home include infections on the skin, allergic reactions, stress, and sleep deprivation. This can cause psychological trauma to those affected.

Termites

These are among the most destructive pests to infest a home. They are active and can cause a considerable loss within a day. Termites eat away furniture and may cause damage to wooden doors and windows. Though a termite bite or sting isn’t considered toxic, it may cause allergic reactions and asthma termites. They can also contaminate food in the house.

Rats

The signs of rats in a home include animal droppings, smudge marks on walls, gnawed holes, and unusual noises at night. Rats are rodents that can cause harm to human health and damage property. They can chew electric wires and cause deadly house fires. These pests spread diseases such a pneumonic plague, Hantavirus, salmonella, murine typhus, and leptospirosis.

Spiders

Most house spiders are harmless. However, most homeowners don’t like them in their homes. However, some have venomous fangs and could produce a toxic venom that can risk a life. Signs of spiders in a home include webs and egg sacks. It can be challenging to find a spider’s web during elimination. However, experienced exterminators know where spiders hide and can get rid of them quickly.

Centipedes

Centipedes like hiding and staying away from humans. However, they still invade homes and hide under carpets. House centipedes don’t pose a health risk or destroy property. However, their sting can be painful, causing discomfort for some hours. That’s why people eliminate centipedes from their homes.

Pest Control Tips

There are a few methods to control pests without using chemicals. Below are some of the best ways to avoid an infestation at home.

Disposing Garbage Regularly

Some pests such as cockroaches and ants are attracted to food. These pests can easily contaminate food in the house. Disposing of the garbage regularly helps to keep these pests away. Again, it eliminates the foul odor that attracts insects.

Maintain the Lawn

An unkempt lawn attracts pets, including rats, mice, and spiders. Mowing the lawn and maintaining it at the required size helps get rid of these pests. This way, children can play in the yard without homeowners worrying about their safety.

Drain Stagnant Water

Stagnant water is a breeding zone for mosquitoes. It could be rainy water, pool water, or water in a vase. Mosquitoes are dangerous because they cause diseases like malaria. Mosquitoes can also find their way into the house and hide in dark areas. Then, they bite people as they sleep at night. Therefore, homeowners should drain stagnant water to protect their loved ones from mosquito bites. 

Keep the Kitchen Clean

Mostly, kitchens are dirty because people prepare food every day. Food particles on the floor and in the sinks can lead to pest infestation. These pests also hide in kitchen drawers and small cracks and contaminate freshly cooked food. Keeping the kitchen clean prevents pest infestation because they lack food remains to feed on. 

Avoid Exposing Cut Fruits and Vegetables for Too Long

Cut fruits and vegetables cut and left open can attract flies. Flies are dangerous pests because they cause health dangers such as diarrhea. Homeowners should keep freshly cut fruits and vegetables in the fridge to avoid this problem. 

Keep the Bathroom Clean

A bathroom is mainly wet because people in the household use it regularly. A dirty and clogged bathroom attracts flies and mosquitoes. Therefore, homeowners should keep the bathroom clean by washing it using bathroom cleaning products. Again, it would be best to keep the shower curtain dry to avoid mold build-up. Bathroom hygiene keeps pests away for longer.

Seal Gaps on the Home’s Exterior

Rats, spiders, mice, mosquitoes, and cockroaches can enter the house through cracked windows, doors, and holes in the foundation. Sealing these gaps helps to keep pests away. This way, people prevent diseases and avoid extensive damages caused by pests. 

Use the Right Bulbs

Some insects are attracted by light bulbs and keep flying around them. However, they are attracted mainly to bulbs producing bright colors, including orange, yellow, and pink. Therefore, it would help to avoid the colored bulb lights. This keeps way flying insects that can be annoying and difficult to eliminate.

Store Food in Sealed Containers

If food isn’t in the fridge, it should be in a tightly sealed container. This way, pests aren’t attracted by the smell of food. Again, people should dispose of spoilt food immediately to avoid attracting insects because they love the odor of spoiled food. This keeps cockroaches, rats, and flies away from home.

Flies, cockroaches, spiders, and rats are some of the common pests in a home. Most of them cause diseases and damages to homeowners and their loved ones. Hence, homeowners use tricks such as garbage disposal, sealing food containers, and draining stagnant water to avoid pest infestation. A home without pests is comfortable to live in and sleep in.