Finding out that you have a pest infestation in your home can leave you feeling nervous. Not to mention, it can have you questioning your home’s safety. However, if you do discover that you have a few unwanted house guests, you are not alone. In fact, according to one survey conducted, 84% of American households have reported some sort of pest problem in the past 12 months.If you suspect that you may have a pest control problem, or even if you simply want to feel more prepared if you ever do encounter pests in your home, this guide will tell you everything you need to know; from recognizing the most common pests and insects to the best ways to get rid of them to how to prevent them from returning – it is all covered and more!
What are the most common pests you may find in your home?
Forewarned is forearmed as they say, so knowing what types of pests you may encounter in your home is the first step in effective pest control.
Mosquitos
Top on most people’s list of most troublesome pests are mosquitos, which literally mean ‘little flies’ in Spanish. These annoying pests are known for their blood-sucking skills and the nasty, itchy bite that they leave behind on the skin. Mosquitos are, in fact, the deadliest animal on the planet as they can transmit many diseases, including malaria, yellow, and dengue fever. Luckily, there are effective non-invasive pest control services that treat any mosquitos in your home and outdoor spaces, ensuring that not only are you and your family not bothered by them, but you also protect your health and safety.
Rodents
Both rats and mice can cause chaos in your home, although most people would prefer a mice infestation to a rat one if asked! However, they are equally destructive. Rats can chew on your electricity cables, walls, floor joists, and any insulation you may have in your home, whereas mice are more likely to shred soft items for nesting purposes. Both rodents can spread diseases and contaminate your food supplies.
Bed Bugs
Nobody likes the idea of sharing their bed with a bug, and bed bugs as a pest are clever little things, hiding in the daytime in your soft furnishings and bedding and then unleashing their teeth on you at night. Although bed bugs do not carry diseases as mosquitos do, a bed bug bite can leave a nasty rash and a red, itchy bump, which is not pleasant.
Termites
Known as the destroyer of homes, termites love moisture and feed on cellulose, the organic fibrous material found in wood and plants. Having an infestation of termites can cause devastation in your home, from wrecking furniture to causing major structural damage to the house itself. However, there are a number of other pests that you may encounter in your home. Other common problematic pests in Visalia, CA include ants, spiders, cockroaches, moths, ticks, and fleas.
How can I rid my home of unwanted pests?
Once you have identified what type of pest is in your home, your next thought will be:
how can I get rid of these uninvited house guests?
Although there are a lot of DIY pest control methods that are available for you to try, if you want the pests to be dealt with quickly, efficiently and without causing any detrimental effects on your family or your home, it is advised that you contact a trusted professional pest control company.Pest control treatments may include:
Setting trapsto catch mosquitos effectively
Applying repellents to ward off rodents
Cutting off entry points to prevent further pests from entering your home
Using pesticides, heating or freezing techniques to get rid of bed bugs
Utilizing chemicals to kill termites
You may be worried about the types of chemicals that are used to deter and kill the pests that are in your home; however, you do not need to worry about this. Pest control has come a long way in recent years, and most pest control companies now offer a safe yet effective service that can be tailored to your needs as a family. There are also several steps that you can take as a homeowner to make it harder for pests to find their way into your home. These include:
Sealing all door and windows
Sealing any cracks in your home’s foundations
Ensuring that you take out the garbage regularly and that you do not leave food out overnight
Repairing any water leaks
Keeping your garden neat and regularly trimmed
Cleaning your rubbish bins regularly
Installing insect-proof mesh on any vents
Cleaning up after your pets
How can I prevent pests from returning to my home?
Whether you have had a problem with pests in the past or you are considering pest management to avoid future infestations, professional pest control companies can offer you a unique and personalized preventative plan that will help safeguard your home from all unwanted house guests. There are also a few at home, natural remedies that you can try, although these are not guaranteed to work and are not as effective as a professional preventative plan. Fresh herbs such as rosemary or sage that are thrown on hot coals can act as a deterrent for mosquitos as they do not like the smell.Lavender oil, tea tree oil, and cayenne pepper can all repel bed bugs from your home. Orange oil is known for its ability to kill termites; however, due to the devastation that termites can cause in your home, it is recommended that you not only seek a professional treatment plan but also to have recurring treatments to avoid re-infestation. Peppermint oil, onions, ground pepper, and cat urine all repel rodents such as mice and rats. The importance of effective pest control and preventive pest treatments for homes and businesses should not be underestimated, both your health and your home are at risk if you fail to seek professional help when you suspect you have pest problems.
