Pests make their presence known by doing some of the most maddening things. Are you constantly hearing commotion in the attic when you’re trying to sleep or watch the game? Chances are your home has been invaded by a family of mice. Since mice are nocturnal, you probably won’t see them doing their dirty deeds. Diurnal critters, on the other hand, are so brazen that they will scurry across the floor in front of your favorite guests. If they leave behind toxic droppings, you should be not only annoyed but also concerned.
Most pests pose a serious threat when they invade buildings because their little bodies are filled with harmful germs and deadly diseases. Furthermore, the invaders have the right tools to diminish your peace of mind and to wreak havoc on your home’s foundation.
Mice
Although some species are regarded as great pets, you can’t afford to let your guard down when you’re dealing with mice. These rodents are incredibly resourceful and talented. Their specialty is exploiting holes as small as a nickel or a dime, and this is possible because they don’t have collar bones. If the head is able to squeeze through, the body will surely fit. This is why it’s challenging to keep mice at bay. If you happen to see one scampering under your refrigerator, you more than likely have an infestation problem.
These nocturnal creatures are dangerous for these particular reasons:
- They can infect everyone in your home with hantavirus, salmonellosis, listeria, and other deadly diseases.
- Children can easily develop asthma if they inhale the airborne allergens that mice release through their urine, saliva, and droppings.
- They will inevitably compromise the integrity of your home.
- Their habit of gnawing on electrical wires can lead to a major fire.
Beware that mice will become a bigger nuisance during the cold months of winter because the unfavorable weather conditions force them to seek shelter. They want a place where they can live and breed in comfort. If they find warmth and food in your home, getting them to leave won’t be easy. Nevertheless, a pest control specialist is equipped to eradicate mice infestations for you.
Here are some prevention tips you should heed:
- Get a cat for your home. It will keep mice from roaming freely. However, this is only a stopgap measure because cats can’t reach nesting sites within walls. You’ll achieve better results by using traps and repellents. Place mint leaves near windows and doors and put bay leaves in the corners of your pantry and cabinets.
- Clean your home on a regular basis. Get rid of boxes that are filled with unused and unwanted items.
- Properly store your food on shelves or in a pantry. After your pets eat, put their feeding bowls up.
- Take the time to repair the noticeable holes in your home’s foundation. You need to use reliable materials, such as sheet metal, hardware cloth, and concrete.
Termites
What makes these insects so annoying is the fact that they cause property damage in an insidious manner. Perhaps only a pest control expert can detect an infestation in the beginning. The three main species are the subterranean termites, the drywood termites, and the dampwood termites.
As a property owner, you should be aware of these facts:
- All three species have different necessities. This means one-size-fits-all solutions don’t exist for termite infestations.
- Whether it’s your home’s foundation or your furniture, termites can weaken just about any structure that contains cellulose.
- Even though termites aren’t known to spread diseases to humans, their nest emits particles that can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
No, do-it-yourself methods won’t lead to the outcome that you wish to achieve. Getting rid of infestations requires not only a personalized treatment but also a certain amount of insight. That’s why it’s more advisable to hire a pest control specialist than to use over-the-counter insecticides.
Thankfully, you can keep termites at bay with these prevention tips:
- Take wooden elements off the ground because termites will burrow through them to get inside your home. Cut off the bottom section of your lattice if it’s in the soil and get in the habit of putting firewood in your storage room.
- Eliminate moisture by trimming the shrubbery near your home’s foundation. This will allow the surrounding soil to dry quicker. Also, make sure your sprinklers don’t target the grass in this area.
- Don’t pile mulch up any longer. This landscaping material creates the right conditions for termites to thrive. Two great alternatives are cypress heartwood and cedar mulch.
Bedbugs
Living with insects is problematic. Sleeping with bedbugs is just as bothersome. Although these insects are indeed tiny, you can see them with your naked eye if you look close enough. What leaves many homeowners puzzled is their ability to get around. Their name is a misnomer because they will inhabit not only beds but also clothing, travel luggage, furniture, and even appliances.
If you develop an infestation, you’ll better understand why they are one of the most annoying pests:
- Research shows that bedbugs can withstand some generic insecticides.
- They feed on your blood and live for months.
- Since they only want warmth and blood meals, no one is safe. A bite from bedbugs is strong enough to cause an allergic reaction in adults and children.
No matter the scope of the infestation, a qualified pest control expert can provide you with a long-term solution. Once your home has been treated, use these tips to prevent future bedbug problems:
- Clean your living quarters on a regular basis.
- Spray your couch with a safe disinfectant after your pet gets up.
- Don’t bring used mattresses and box springs into your home without examining them thoroughly.
- Place your suitcase in a protective plastic bag whenever you stay in a hotel.
Ants
Even though ants can be beneficial insects, they should be dealt with immediately. These tiny beasts live in a well-structured colony, and the worker ants aren’t slow to go on the offensive. Furthermore, when they invade homes, they are problematic because of these three reasons:
- Some species, particularly carpenter ants, can compromise the integrity of structural elements.
- When they sting, they inject formic acid into the skin.
- Ants are scavengers, so getting them to leave will be a tall order.
Don’t ignore your ant problem any longer, and don’t be so quick to spend your money on over-the-counter insecticides. Pest control professionals are on standby to treat your home. To keep ants from invading your home again, try these tried-and-true methods:
- Eliminate entry points by using caulk on noticeable holes.
- Clean up spills and sticky surfaces.
- Always put your food in a container that has a tight lid.