Common Types of House Pests and How to Manage Them
Even if you keep your home clean and tidy, there’s a good chance that you may sometimes find pests skittering on your floors and walls. These typical household vermin include rats, cockroaches, termites, and ants. Aside from being a general nuisance, pesky bugs and rodents can contaminate your food, damage your belongings, and spread diseases through the allergens and viruses they carry.
Residential pest management is a sure-fire solution to getting rid of your unwelcome visitors. You can always call a pro to help with your troubles, but if you want to be proactive about the issue, read this quick guide on each common pest and how to control their numbers.
Rats
Of all the common pests, rats rank among the top of the list as one of the most destructive types. The creatures are notorious for sneaking their way into kitchens and pantries and eating pieces of food. Rats also threaten residential structures as wires, wood, and insulation are often the target of their nibbling tendencies.
There are a few valid reasons to be cautious of rats. First, the fleet-footed rodents bite as a defensive measure and, in some cases, attack children and adults during their sleep. Second, gnawing-related damage to your property can lead to expensive repairs and even cause house fires in the case of compromised wires. Lastly, the rodents carry transmissible diseases such as rat-bite fever (RBF) and typhus.
You can keep rats at bay by getting rid of accessible food sources in your home. Setting traps is also advisable, though you may want to steer clear of poison substances. Rats who consume toxic products often die in hard-to-reach places, producing a nauseating smell. Another smart move is to seal any gaps on your walls with sheet metal and steel wool, as these materials are gnawing-resistant.
Mice
As rats’ tinier cousins, mice often fly under the radar when it comes to their level of peskiness. Compared to their larger counterparts, the smaller rodents may seem less threatening. However, mice can still leave unwanted effects such as urine and feces droppings on clothing and nibble marks on soft items. The vermin can also reproduce up to ten times every year, so it’s best to deal with them as soon as possible.
When it comes to residential pest management for mice, the first step is to ensure that any food items are out of reach. In addition, store any products that the little rodents may consider edible, such as birdseed, in your garage or outbuilding. The next step is to set up traps such as wooden wire snaps, rodenticides, or glue boards. You should also seal small gaps and cracks on walls to prevent mice from entering your home.
Cockroaches
Because they’re a common sight in most households, cockroaches are often treated as pests easily disposed of with the sole of a shoe. While underestimated, these tiny brown bugs can still produce problems if left unchecked. Cockroaches can cause food contamination, surface staining, and fabric and paper damage. They can also spread bacteria and diseases such as hepatitis, salmonella, and staphylococcus.
Keeping food away from plain sight will help reduce the presence of cockroaches. You can use a repellent spray to get rid of the bugs, though they may not always be effective on the initial application. Setting traps in areas frequented by these small brown insects is also a fast and efficient solution.
Ants
Out in your yard, ants are beneficial members of the ecosystem. Inside your house, though, is a different conversation. The insects are part of a eusocial colony, which is why they always travel in groups. When you leave food on your table or crumbs on your floor, it’s only a matter of time before a large swarm forms in that specific area.
While not as threatening as other vermin, ants are still nuisances, so their removal is crucial to residential pest management. If you find a food container or item covered with ants, you can wash the insects away with water and soap. You can also line any seams in your doorway or trim with caulk to prevent ants from entering your house.
Get Residential Pest Management Services in Mid-Missouri
Every home is safer without the presence of pesky creatures. Be sure to observe proper cleaning and maintenance to reduce the risk of attracting bugs and rodents.
If keeping your house tidy doesn’t cut it, don’t hesitate to call for support. Get in touch with licensed vermin exterminators to get comprehensive residential pest management. Whether you need immediate solutions or preventative countermeasures, working with the pros is the best way to go.