Intruders make the comfort that our homes offer a nightmare. These unwanted guests not only destroy our property but may present health dangers. Cockroaches, rodents, mosquitoes and termites are known to cause diseases, allergies and sometimes severe health conditions. It is essential to know the types of pest that are most likely to be found in households and the risks associated with them in the fight against pest est and its control.
Why are There Pests in Homes?
This has made them to be attracted towards human beings in as much as they are attracted by the comforts which they offer; shelter, food and water. Homes provide them with the best environment for survival as they are safe structures within human dwellings. Wall crevices, gaps, round and beneath floorings and foundations are other points by which the pests can easily penetrate. Also the food particles and various leftovers on and around the animals’ living environment give them all the tools they require to feed and continue breeding.
Common Household Pests and Their Hazards
Some of the most common household pests and the problems they can cause:
Cockroaches: Cockroaches are among the worst possible household pests, as they are very durable and leave their feces on food and everyday items. In sensitive individuals they cause allergy and asthma attacks.
Rodents: Mice and rats compromise foodstuffs, cause structural destruction and pose health risks inflicted by diseases such as hantavirus and salmonellosis. Their droppings and urine are particularly known to cause allergy and asthmatic complications.
Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but also a threat to health because they transfer diseases such as the West Nile virus, malaria, and Zika virus. They lay their eggs in water and it is advised that you get rid of any around your home.
Termites: Termites are responsible for billions of dollars’ worth of damage each year for residential houses and other buildings. These consume wood and other material made of cellulose and hence compromise the strength of a structure in a structure over time.
Spiders: Although most spiders are not dangerous some do bite inflicting pain and presenting dangerous health risks. Spiders like to hide in areas that are concealed and not easily accessed while their webs may cause allergic reactions.
Ants: Ants have attracted to it like for instance food stuffs, water, and shelter. As much as the species are not poisonous, they invade foods, and bring about structural destruction due to nesting.
Signs of a Pest Infestation
The best way to deal with a pest problem therefore is to be always on the lookout for signs of pests. Here are some telltale signs to watch out for:
Live or dead pests: Observing that there is a pest or discovering carcasses close to your home will mean that there is a current or a previous infestation.
Droppings: Fecal pellets are another indication of a pest problem that can assist you in determining exactly what kind of pests you are managing.
Gnaw marks: Chewed up foods or scrapes on furniture can give clues about the presence of rodents.
Molted skins: When the pests grow to certain times, they leave behind a dead outside skin which is referred to as molted skin.
Unusual odors: Some pests cause noises, such as rats or decaying matter, which may emit foul smells.
Nests or webs: Holes are left behind by pests or webs may be present if the pests have had their lairs, for instance, in the corner of a room or in the attic or the basement.
Taking Action: Measures for the Control of Pest
By the time you begin noticing signs of pests in your business, it is high time you embraced the best practices in handling the situation. Here are some strategies to consider:
Identify the pest: It is therefore very important to correctly diagnose the type of pest which has infested a certain area in order to prescribe the right method of attacking them.
DIY methods: If the infestation is not very severe, then consider the use of home remedies such as using pest control traps, pest control baits and natural control of pests.
Professional pest control: In such cases or when pest infestations are hard to contain, it will be wise to seek the help of a professional companies.
Here's a breakdown of some common pest control methods used by professionals:
Insecticides: There are many ways to apply insecticides, including spraying, baiting or dusting in order to eliminate the target pests.
Rodenticides: Pesticides meaning an agent used to control pests are applied for the management of rodents since they contain food baits with poisonous substances.
Termite treatments: Some of the effective termite treatments embraced include; barrier treatments and soil treatments as well as wood treatments to assist eliminate as well as avoid more penetration.
Exclusion methods: Exclusion methods encompass the act of blocking any general areas of access and eliminating other hints of food, water and escape to the pests.
Living with Minimal Pests: Long-Term Strategies
The pest control process in your home can only come with a long process if you want to control the situation properly. Here are some tips:
Maintain a clean home: Cleaning and sanitation help to eliminate chance of pests to find suitable habitat within the comfort of your home.
Store food properly: Storing food in well-covered containers and not placing it directly on the floor will go a long way to discourage pests from being attracted to your residence.
Fix leaky faucets and pipes: Ponding of water can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects hence the need to fix leakages as soon as they occur.
Trim around your foundation: Maintaining low hedges, other trees, and bushes that is, pruning them can help minimize some pests that make their way into the house by using these plants.
Dispose of garbage properly: One way of preventing pests is ensuring that garbage is disposed of well and the trash cans are often emptied and their lids closed.
Seasonal Pest Control
The various pests are also known to be active at particular periods of the year. Knowledge of such cycles is useful in preventing them and imposing necessary measure to address them.
Spring: As the temperature increases ants, roaches and spiders among others go in search of food and a suitable place to lay their eggs.
Summer: These are especially notorious during summer thus it is important to remove standing water and check for termites.
Fall: This is the time that homes, farms and business premises become fertile ground for rodents since they look for warmth during the cold seasons.
Winter: Some pests are active during winter, though some are less so, thus it is a good time to assess for damage and prepare for pest activity in spring.
When to Call a Professional
While DIY methods can be effective for minor pest problems, there are times when pest control by EnviroCon is needed:
Severe infestations: For severe pest infestations professionals possess the necessary skills, tools, and materials that efficiently deal with pests.
Difficult-to-control pests: Termites, bed bugs, carpenter ants are some of the tough pests that may require professional help to eradicate them.
Recurring infestations: After using such techniques, you may need to hire the services of a professional exterminator if pest infestation persists.
Safety concerns: While some pests can be controlled using very effective techniques, the techniques themselves are dangerous if not used carefully, and should be left to expert technicians.
The Selection of a Pest Control Professional
When choosing a pest control company, consider the following factors:
Experience and reputation: Be sure to choose a company that has been on the market for many years and has a spotless record.
Licensing and insurance: Make sure the company is licensed and insured to protect the business as well as your property.
Treatment methods: Inquire what approaches are used in handling the pests and whether they will be useful in your type of situation.
Guarantees: This explains why a good pest control company will guarantee his or her work and support the control measures used.
Pricing: As with any service, price plays a role in the decision-making process, but never go for a business that offers a much lower price than others because they probably employ lower quality products or techniques.
Conclusion
Pests take your comfort in your home and turn into an undesirable residence however, information about these insects and their signs and control helps you gel back the power. Preventing pest invasions, knowing when to call in the experts, and hiring a trustworthy pest control company are three ways to prevent them from invading your home.
